Alzheimer’s disease is an issue that deeply affects those touched by it. The condition causes progressive mental and physical decline in people, and watching a loved one fight the disease is understandably harrowing for patients’ families and caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri is dedicated to offering support to all impacted by the disease through education, advocacy, resources and research. The local association is part of a national organization that is the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research.
David Payne understands the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s. The disease runs in his family, with his grandmother, mother, father and sister all receiving diagnoses. Payne recalls the struggle his family felt when they first realized something was wrong with his mother. “Alzheimer’s looks different for everyone who gets it—my mother became bitter,” he says. “It was terrifying to figure out what to do and how to make my father realize we had a real problem. My sister and I took him to a class at the Alzheimer’s Association. Even though it was devastating to confront that my mother had the disease, it also gave us a sense of freedom because we knew what was going on. That class was very powerful.”
Classes like Payne and his family took are just one part of the array of important services the Alzheimer’s Association offers to families. The 24-hour helpline (800.272.3900) answers questions and provides assistance whenever needed. The nonprofit offers in-person and virtual support groups for both Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers, provides educational programs to local businesses and community partners, and works with families in care consultations, including guidance on how to approach a loved one they suspect may have the disease.
Following his personal experience with dementia and its impact on his family, Payne decided to get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association. He joined the board and received even more insight into the work of the organization, including sitting in on the helpline to see first-hand what it was like when people called in. “The numbers around Alzheimer’s are staggering, and it’s a very confusing and difficult disease to navigate,” he notes. “The Alzheimer’s Association offers so many resources and so much support for patients and caregivers.” Payne also became dedicated to advocating for local research into the disease. He is a major supporter of the WashU Medicine Tracy Family SILQ Center, helping fund advanced testing so diagnoses can be made earlier.
To make its initiatives possible, the Alzheimer’s Association relies on community support. One of the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraisers is its Beacon of Hope Gala. This year’s event is April 25 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Curtis and Amy Francois of World Wide Technology Raceway and John and Linda Tracy of DOT Foods will serve as event co-chairs. Payne will be recognized for his commitment with the Paula and Rodger Riney Beacon of Hope Award. “I’m honored to be in position to support such a necessary and important cause,” he says. “The gala is a fantastic event, and I’m overwhelmed with the response we’ve gotten from the community. Alzheimer’s can be pretty lonely, but working together, there is hope.”
The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri provides care and support for those affected by the disease and other forms of dementia. Its Beacon of Hope Gala is April 25 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Pictured on the cover: gala co-chair Curtis Francois, Beacon of Hope honoree David Payne, gala co-chair John Tracy. For more information, call 314.432.3422 or visit stlalzgala26.givesmart.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Curtis Francois, David Payne, John Tracy
Photo: Tim Parker Photography