Ceremony recognizes Alzheimer’s families


December 6, 2011 · Updated 2:26 PM 

Family, friends and caregivers of persons affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, gathered for a tender evening of sharing Nov. 13  during the National Commemorative Candle Lighting Ceremony.

This national event is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, and this is the third year HomePlace of Oak Harbor has hosted the ceremony.  Participants were each given a yellow rose signifying the admiration and appreciation HomePlace has for family and professional caregivers.

Mike Thelen provided guitar music and dedicated the song, “Every Long Journey,” to the residents, their families, friends and staff at HomePlace.  Oak Harbor High School Wildcats girls basketball team Senior Captain  Dominique Jackson, and Junior Captain Ciera Wiser, assisted with the event, and each lit a candle to honor Coach Pat Summit, ladies basketball coach from the University of Tennessee, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Family members signed their loved ones into the Alzheimer’s Foundation online “Book of Remembrance.”  Anyone may go online at www.candlelighting.org to list their loved one’s name or view the list. For more information on Alzheimer’s disease and HomePlace Special Care Center, call 360-279-2555 or visit www.homeplaceoakharbor.com.

 

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