Did you ever think that you would see purple balloons floating in the sky on the first day of Fall? There was a significance to this occurrence, as September 21 is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Day and it is represented by the color purple.
The balloons were released outside of Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage. It was done in commemoration of September 21, 2012 being declared the first Portage Alzheimer’s Awareness Day. September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and the 21st marks National Alzheimer’s Action Day. Why make a holiday that is special to Portage?
“Millions of American’s are afflicted with Alzheimer’s. Hundreds, if not thousands in the Portage and Porter County area alone,” said Marsha Leonard, Executive Director for Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage. “It’s a growing disease, and one that I think needs more and more attention.”
Residents and staff as well as members of the surrounding communities came to commemorate the occasion. The Mayor of Portage, James Snyder, was in attendance. He read a Proclamation making the holiday official. All who gathered shared in the delight as they each let go of their balloons and watched them float up into the September sky. Afterward, light refreshments and delectable pastries were served those who attended.
“The Alzheimer’s Association had asked us to do a Proclamation today, and because we do have a dementia unit we felt like it was something we needed to do -not only to honor our residents and our caregivers and family members, but also have the Mayor here to read a Proclamation,” said Judy Kukelka, Marketing and Admissions Director at Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage. “A lot of people don’t understand what dementia is, they don’t understand what it takes to be a caregiver. And this is creating awareness that there are resources out there, that there are people out there who can help.”
Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage is a place where elderly individuals can go to and receive care and support from from highly qualified staff. Established in 2007, Rittenhouse offers independent, assisted living, and memory care communities. The Portage establishment is the newest addition to the Rittenhouse family. There are other locations in Valparaiso and Michigan City.
Please help to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease. I’m sure this hits home for many (it did for this writer) and we need to find a cure because everyone deserves to live life to the fullest.
Sunday September 23 is the Walk to End Alzheimer's at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville, IN. Registration is at 12:30pm and the walk begins at 1:30pm. A week after on October 7 the Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place in Michigan City at Washington Park. Registration is at 12:30pm and the walk begins at 1:30pm as well.
To find out more about Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage click here!
To find out more about Alzheimer's Disease, find support, or ways to get involved click here!
Or visit the Alzheimer’s Association Facebook page!