My journey towards community engagement is rooted in my desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others, driven by my firsthand experiences and passion for serving those in need. Since 2016, I have dedicated over 4000 hours to visiting local memory and senior living communities with my dogs, Frank and Periwinkle, as part of the "Smiles to Seniors" initiative I founded. I focus on creating meaningful moments with residents suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.
My motivation for getting involved in community work was my grandfather's Alzheimer's diagnosis. This experience inspired me to establish "Smiles to Seniors" and dedicate my time and energy to improving the lives of seniors in my community. Through my non-profit, I aim to bring joy, companionship, and stimulation to seniors who may feel isolated or forgotten. I achieve this through pet therapy visits with Frank and Periwinkle, engaging in activities like baking, cooking, and playing games, or simply offering a listening ear and a comforting presence.
Apart from the direct impact on seniors, I am also committed to supporting broader initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of Alzheimer's Disease and related memory disorders. Through fundraising efforts, I have raised over $9,750 for The Alzheimer's Association, contributing to ongoing research, education, and support services for individuals and families affected by these conditions. By combining direct service with advocacy and fundraising, I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against Alzheimer's and work towards a future where this disease no longer poses a threat to our loved ones.
My community engagement efforts have been recognized through several awards, including the Dublin Community Champion Award over the past eight years, the National Golden Achievement in Service Award, and six Presidential Gold Service Awards. These awards validate the importance of my work and inspire me to continue striving for excellence in service and leadership.
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
540
I have raised
750
My Goal
My Achievements
Fundraiser
T-shirt
Champion
Storyteller
Mobile Master
AIM/Advocacy