Alzheimer's Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter

My mom was first diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia in June 2012. At her last appointment about a month ago her diagnosis changed to stage 6 or moderately severe/mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Watching my mom fade away a little more each day is not only heartbreaking for me, it’s terrifying for her. What I want the most for her is that she enjoys her life and does the things that make her happy. Dancing is one of her favorite things. Her favorite dance the Wobble inspired my team’s name the Wobbling CAROLers. I want to do all I can to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s so that hopefully my own daughters aren’t one day sitting in the doctor’s office hearing the same news about me.

Mary Lou Jacinto
Team Captain of Wobbling CAROLers– Caregiver for her mother Carol
Coastal Virginia Walk

Congratulations to Linda Fanning from Hampton on winning the 2016 Toyota Camry SE in our raffle drawing! Linda Fanning has walked with us since 2012. She is the team captain of the Cherished Memories Team at the Peninsula Walk to End Alzheimer’s® and is a Grand Champion fundraiser this year! ​​ The car was made possible thanks to Walk supporter Pearson Toyota in Newport News. Thank you to​​ Regional Walk sponsor, BayPort Credit Union and The Hampton Roads Show for helping us pick the winning ticket. ​

I’m walking to help reclaim the future for millions. By participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, I’m committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research, care, and support. Our family has been personally touched by “ALZ” and the year has been fraught with changes.  Roger, my husband of 34 years is fighting to maintain his independence and our life together. Our team, Peers and Partners-VB, is the monthly support group for Virginia Beach. Together we learn about “AL” and support each other. Our friends in this group have become our closest supporters- One can’t know the devastation of this disease until you walk in our shoes.

I need your support to do my part! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer’s Association advance research into methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer’s.  For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide. Every little bit helps but your support means the world.  If you don’t wish to support, please let your elected officials know to wish them to support ALZ research.  THAT would mean a lot too.

Ann Bolen
Team Captain of Peers & Partners VB, a Top 10 Team for CoVA

I walk in honor of my mom, who was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s three years ago at the age of 49.

I walk in support of my dad and other caregivers out there that give so much of their time to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

I walk in memory of all those who have lost their battle with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, including my Grandma Tink.

And I walk to show our commitment to the cause and help in raising funds for the much-needed research, in hopes that one day there is a cure.

Alzheimer’s knows no bounds and everyone is at risk! The Walk helps you realize you are not alone and together we can make a difference.

Tiffany Elston
Team Captain, Dee Dee’s Angels
Peninsula Walk

Paul F. Aravich, Ph.D. is a behavioral neuroscientist at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk and a great friend of the Southeastern Virginia Chapter. He is a professor of Pathology and Anatomy; of Geriatrics, and of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Aravich often lends his expertise to chapter events, eager to share his extensive knowledge of the brain. Most recently you may have heard Dr. Aravich at our Day for Caregivers conferences back in June where he provided a brain demonstration to attendees during breaks from the seminars. Dr. Aravich has so much compassion for those with brain injuries and disorders and has dedicated his career to finding answers and teaching others about the brain. He believes educating the public is vitally important so they can take a more active part in advocating for legislation to support neuroscience initiatives that affect public health.

His honors include one of the highest awards for medical education in the US and Canada; Virginia’s highest faculty award for research, teaching, and service; 5 Virginia Gubernatorial citations related to public education and guardianship; and election into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He is also on a member of regional.state boards related to behavioral health, TBI, guardianship, and dementia. He headed the Virginia Brain Injury Council and its first position paper on the neurobehavioral complications of brain injury. Dr. Aravich has given Congressional presentations on the epidemic of fatal behavioral health disorders to a program sponsored by the Congressional Public Health Caucus, on art and the brain to both the House and the Senate, and on traumatic brain injury to a program sponsored by the Congressional Brain Injury Taskforce.

Dr. Aravich has numerous publications and presentations and is interested in the cognitive and emotional consequences of various behavioral health disorders; positive behavioral controls for challenging behaviors; caregiver stress; Wounded Warriors; successful aging; the arts and medicine; and health care policy.

We are so lucky to have Dr. Aravich as a great friend to the chapter and long-time volunteer! If you have not yet heard Dr. Aravich present, please check out his TEDxNASA presentation “The Universe Between Your Ears” here! 

If you are interested in volunteering with our chapter, you can learn more information on our website at http://www.alz.org/seva/in_my_community_104988.asp

Paula with her grandmother, Nadia Hansin

I’m walking to help reclaim the future for millions. In February, I lost my grandmother, Nadia Hansin. By participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, I’m committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research, care, and support.

Several years ago, my grandmother developed Alzheimer’s and she moved in with us. As a high school student, I took on a huge responsibility of making her comfortable during her most needed times. I helped during her hardest times where she needed assistance to eat and change. But the good times we spent together outweigh the bad times. She enjoyed getting flowers, eating sweets, and watching TV. My grandmother fought the illness whenever she could and had a strong backbone that consisted of her family and her caretakers.

This year I want to honor her memory. I hope you will join me by making a donation or joining a walk near you.

Paula Amburgey
Farmville Walk