alzheimer’s association : The organization works to eliminate the disease through research, to provide care and support for those affected, and award winner to reduce the risk of dementia by promoting brain health.
[corporate hero]
Alzheimer’s Association applauds Scottrade for its nearly two-decades-long support of the St. Louis Walk to End Alzheimer’s and for being the title sponsor this year.
[meet arlene kusmin of creve coeur]
Q| How long have you been a volunteer?
A| I got involved with the organization about 15 years ago.
Q| What made you interested in this particular cause?
A| My father had Alzheimer’s, and I was his caregiver. I called AA on a daily basis, sometimes asking for help and sometimes just to cry. They would always calm me down and explain what I needed to do. I relied on them for everything; it’s a horrible disease to try to figure out by yourself. My husband Stan and I would come to the caregiver meetings held at night, which was a huge support. I knew some day when I had free time, I would give back to them for all they did or me and my family. I have Alzheimer’s now. At first I couldn’t understand why I got it, but then I realized with all the information I had about the disease, who better to have it? I could help people.
Q| What kind of volunteer work are you involved with?
A| I started out on the help line. I would speak to family members who called in crying, telling me their problems. It was easy to relate to them because I went through the same thing. I built great relationships with many of these people, and we often met for lunch—and I still do with some of them, in fact! For many families, I attended the funeral of their loved one because I was so close with them. Now, I come in the office every now and then to do things like data entry or whatever they need help with. Stan and I are the largest independent fundraisers for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s every year; it’s our biggest claim to fame. We send out hundreds of letters to people we know, make phone calls and stand in front of Dierbergs asking for donations. I’m also involved with the local chapter’s wonderful program for those with early-stage dementia. We attend various functions and go to different speakers.
Q| If you could do anything for the organization, what would it be?
A| They need money. We’re dealing with a disease most people don’t know much about; it’s a vicious cycle, and it takes everything away from you. People don’t give to Alzheimer’s like they do for cancer or other diseases, so they need more funding to raise awareness. Without financing, you can’t get very far. The people who work here are so devoted; I have never dealt with people so caring and warm. They call me even now to check in and see how I’m doing. I’ve been here for so many years, they’re like family.
[meet the alzheimer’s association board]
Front row: Douglass Petty, Christian Counseling & Resource Consultants; David Payne, PayneCrest Contracting; David Brodsky, Express Scripts; Amy Bollinger, Fleishman Hillard; Jan Anderson Cerny; John Tracy, Dot Foods. Middle row: Brian Buckley, Edward Jones; Mark Schupp, Schupp Company; Drew McLaughlin, Plancorp; John Boyle, Carmody MacDonald PC; James Hardin, Wells Fargo; Bill Brinkmeyer, UMB Investment & Wealth Management. Back Row: Randall Graham, JW Terrill; Karen Bedell, Centene; board chair Christopher Iselin, Ameren; Sandy Jaffe, The BookSource; Frank Wolff Jr., Bryan Cave LLP; Dr. George Grossberg, Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Not pictured: Morton Brown, Edward Jones; Martha Aoun; Mike Claiborne, KMOX; Frank Dellaquila, Emerson Electric; Joanne Knight; Cathy Malear, Unigroup; Dr. John Morris, Washington University School of Medicine; Barbara Morriss; Rodger Riney, Scottrade; Judy Tobben, St. John’s Mercy Health Care.
[Know a standout volunteer? Nominate them to be featured at townandstyle.com/reachingoutawards or email tellus@townandstyle.com for more information.]
Volunteer Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton
Board Photo: Bill Barrett
