By Brianna Scoville
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin
The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW) would like to recognize Northsider Sandy Schmidt for her remarkable work as a volunteer. Sandy became involved with ADAW after her husband, Jim, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. They became involved in ADAW’s Meeting of Minds program, a weekly cognitive stimulation program for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias or mild cognitive impairment. “I was so grateful there was an organization available to people with dementia,” said Sandy.
Jim passed away in November 2008, and Sandy subsequently became a volunteer with ADAW. “I took a year or so off after my husband passed away. When I started volunteering, I loved it. I truly benefit from it.”
Sandy has been a supportive presence in the group and is always calm and attentive. She welcomes participants for the Meeting of Minds program as they arrive, makes sure they have name tags, pens and paper, sees to their comfort throughout the session, walks with participants who may have physical limitations, assists participants to complete activities successfully, and listens with interest and compassion when participants discuss their personal experiences.
Sandy said that her favorite part of volunteering is “seeing people who are suffering from dementia relate to others that are in the same boat. It is very rewarding seeing the program be so successful. It makes me feel good.”
If you see Sandy on the Northside, please take a moment to thank her for giving her time to help individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. She can be found enjoying a walk, doing tai chi, reading, crocheting, or hanging out with her daughter or friends. ADAW is able to achieve its mission because of the generous efforts of volunteers like Sandy.
The ADAW is a local organization that understands that every person touched by Alzheimer’s or dementia will need support to help navigate the course of the disease. The professionally trained and personally experienced staff offers compassionate understanding of unique needs and helps with direct services, care plans, information and resources in the community.
If you are interested in volunteering, call 232-3400 or toll-free at 888-308-6251. There are many opportunities available including working in the office, assisting staff with a program or support group, helping plan fundraising events, and much more. For more information on the ADAW, visit www.alzwisc.org.