- April 19, 2024
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Helen Howlett, Health and Wellness Coordinator Bren Osborne and Janie Ingle. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Brookdale residents gather before a recipe swap during the Longest Day event on Friday, June 21. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Health and Wellness Director Elise Cabello and Pat Moore. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Bob Harrison and Beth Howell. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Brookdale Senior Living in Ormond Beach celebrated the summer solstice on Friday, June 21, with a day full of activities for its residents in the hopes of continuing to raise awareness for Alzheimer's and dementia in the community.
For Todd Register, executive director for Brookdale Ormond Beach West, it's a cause that runs deep. His mother had dementia, and five out her nine siblings were also diagnosed with it. His grandfather had it too, and one of his cousins was recently diagnosed. It's why every year, he sets a personal fundraising goal to aid the Alzheimer's Association.
"We want to make sure that we are bringing as much awareness to dementia and Alzheimers as we can," Register said.
Brookdale Senior Living participates in the Alzheimer's Association annual Walk to End Alzheimer's, and this year will be no different. Brookdale has already set fundraising goals for the November 9 walk.
Its first-annual "Longest Day" event was a way to begin raising awareness for the cause. It was an all-day celebration with new activities every hour, including yoga on the beach, music therapy, hand massages and ice cream sundaes. Among the participating residents were former nurses, a socialite, and even a concert pianist.
Register said other diseases, such as breast cancer, are more well-supported by many individuals and organizations compared to Alzheimer's. There's a reason for that, he said — breast cancer is curable. Alzheimer's and dementia isn't yet.
"We need to change that," Register said. "We need to get people to focus on it."
