Our minds and memories define us as individuals. Losing function and control is like losing your identity, which is what makes Alzheimer’s disease so devastating. No one wants to go through it themselves or watch a loved one turn into a stranger. The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri is dedicated to tackling the issue through education, advocacy, research and patient services. It is part of a national organization that is dedicated to eliminating the disease.
The Centers for Disease Control ranks Alzheimer’s as the sixth leading cause of death in the country. Currently, 5.8 million people live with diagnoses while millions more serve as caregivers. “Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by Alzheimer’s,” says supporter Gary Grewe, founder of G.J. Grewe Commercial Real Estate and G.J. Grewe Brokerage and Development. “It’s striking how many people believe that the disease is an inevitable part of aging.”
Grewe was motivated to join the fight against Alzheimer’s after he and his wife, Carla, witnessed the devastating effects of the disease first-hand. Both her grandfather and father were diagnosed. “It’s unbelievably destructive not only to patients, but to their families as well,” he says. “When you receive a diagnosis, it becomes part of your death sentence, but unlike other illnesses, you have no idea how long it’s going to take.”
The Grewes will serve as event chairs for the nonprofit’s Affair to Remember Gala May 8 at The Ritz-Carlton. This year’s theme is Brains in Bloom. Dot Foods will be honored with the Corporate Champion Award for its dedication to the cause. Along with cocktails, dinner and dancing, Grewe says the event will start with some surprising games of chance. “People are going to love it,” he notes. “It’s a fantastic event and a fun evening.”
Fundraising events such as the annual gala allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide critical services to those living with the condition. Some of the organization’s most crucial work is offering care consultations to help individuals and families better understand the disease and develop strategies for care and symptom management. “Whether you’ve received a diagnosis yourself or are seeing signs of memory loss in a loved one, the association is a resource that everyone can reach out to,” Grewe says. “The good it does is second to none.” The nonprofit also has a 24-hour helpline (800.272.3900) to answer questions and provide assistance whenever needed.
The Alzheimer’s Association keeps its efforts focused on future goals as well. As the largest private funder of research for the disease in the world, it currently is investing $167 million in more than 500 projects in 27 countries. The studies funded work toward improving care, identifying new treatment strategies and deepening our understanding of the disease. It’s a mission that should strike close to home for St. Louisans, according to Grewe. “St. Louis is where groundbreaking research into Alzheimer’s is being done,” he notes. “Our city is a beacon of hope for finding a cure.”
The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri provides care and support for those affected by the disease and other forms of dementia. Its Affair to Remember Gala is May 8 at The Ritz-Carlton. Pictured on the cover: Event chairs Gary and Carla Grewe. For more information on the gala, call 314.801.0412 or visit alz.org/greatermissouri.
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Pictured at top: Guests enjoy the Affair to Remember Gala.
Photo courtesy of Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri
