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Brightmore’s Alzheimer’s Awareness

January 19, 2014

Alzheimer’s is such a devastating disease and has personally touched so many.  Kempton resident Rose Artin says, “My son in-law is battling Alzheimer’s and my daughter is taking care of him and it’s so hard on her, it breaks my heart.”  Staff and residents at Brightmore of Wilmington Campus have been working hard to boost Alzheimer’s awareness. Throughout the month of October, all the buildings on campus held fundraisers to contribute to the cause.  The Brightmore served sizzling hot breakfast sandwiches.  The Kempton delighted all with their spaghetti and meatballs.  The Commons prepared hot dogs and bratwursts with all the fixin’s at their brown bag lunch.  All these events led up to our highly anticipated 6^th Annual Fall Festival Commemorating Alzheimer’s Awareness Month!  Even though it was breezy & we were a little unsure of the weather, it turned out to be a beautiful afternoon.  Great food, music, and raffle prizes benefited this awesome cause.   “This is one of the annual events that the Brightmore Community puts on that I really look forward to”, said resident Pauline Formyduval.  The day was a hit with folks new to the Brightmore Community as well.  “What a nice event! We are amazed at all of the events the community and Brightmore provides for us all”, said new residents Bob and Ann Cook.  As a community, Brightmore of Wilmington raised a grand total of $3257.75 to be donated to Alzheimer’s NC! But the good work doesn’t stop there!  Residents from Brightmore independent laced up their walking shoes for team Walk More with Brightmore at the annual Alzheimer’s walk held at Hugh MacRae park on November 9^th.  “Walk More for Brightmore” was the “buzz” at Brightmore Independent  for the past several months as our Wellness & Fitness Director, Erin Rhyne, and our Activity Director, Lisa Sherrill, recruited a Brightmore Walking Team for Alzheimer’s NC! We had a great response with 10 residents volunteering to work at the walk and 10 residents registered to walk. Our oldest walker was, Millie Solomon, at 100 years of age!  It started out as a brisk morning, but quickly warmed up so that everyone had an enjoyable day! We trained for several months during our Walking Groups to make sure everyone was ready to reach their goal. We also had a Halloween Bake Sale to fundraise for our actual team and made $250.00 to donate to Alzheimer’s NC.  We are so very proud of our 2013 Brightmore Walking Team!  Thank you so much to all the residents, families, staff, friends and local businesses who have lent their support to this worthy cause.