Sedgebrook Alzheimer's Walk
For years Joanne Kopper, resident life manager at Sedgebrook in Lincolnshire, has been driven by a need to find ways to raise funds and awareness to fight the scourge of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
"This is something that's been near and dear to me since I started working with the aging population," Kopper said. "We've all known someone, or have been affected by someone with memory loss. It's important to raise awareness and educate people about this."
Alzheimer's affects an estimated 5.2 million Americans and is expected to grow exponentially as the senior population continues to increase.
Sedgebrook is a continuing care retirement community in Lincolnshire. Located on the campus of Sedgebrook, five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation of Sedgebrook provides memory care assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. Radford Green earned its certification as a Dementia Unit Residence from the Illinois Department of Public Health in 2013.
On Oct. 12 Kopper and members of the Sedgebrook community will participate in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's held at Independence Grove, in Libertyville. Organized by the Alzheimer's Association, this is one of more than 600 walks held across the United States to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care and research.
For those who cannot participate in the October 12th walk, Kopper and staff have organized a mini-walk on the Sedgebrook campus scheduled to take place on Oct. 1. Like the larger Libertyville walk, this one is also a fundraiser. "This walk is an opportunity for staff and residents to participate if they are not able to attend the October 12th walk," she said.
Leading up to the walks, Kopper has coordinated fundraising initiatives including: a pancake breakfast; baked goods sale; and the mini-walk. Kopper has a fundraising goal of $5,000 this year. So far she and her colleagues have raised more than $4,500.
Sedgebrook is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living and outstanding amenities. Sedgebrook is owned by Senior Care Development LLC and managed by Life Care Services LLC. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3319.