Hometown Highlight: West Texas Chapter Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer's Association of West Texas Chapter currently serves Amarillo, El Paso, Lubbock, Midland, and surrounding areas by offering education and support for those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias. The association is dedicated to helping those living with the disease, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and their families through support groups and educational resources while advancing crucial research and public policy initiatives. 

What are your goals for the next 3 -5 years for the Alzheimer's Association's West Texas Chapter?

“In the next few years, we hope to hold more community events through grants. We plan to extend the number of programs we provide to the community and improve the number and accessibility of our support,” said Heather Simmons, Constituent Events Manager at Alzheimer’s Association/West Texas Chapter. “Additionally, were committed to growing our reach of education and awareness to those who may not be personally affected by the disease. We recognize that the disease is difficult for many to talk about. With more than 11 million unpaid caregivers, we believe people within a single workplace need our support. We'd like to expand our outreach from beyond the healthcare agency and support businesses and their workers who are caregivers.”

Is there anything you wish more people knew about the organization?

“The local staff members want to connect and hear the problems and challenges that are constituents are facing. We want people to know that our 24/7 helping number is 800.272.3900 and is free to use, serving over 200 languages.”  

What is the importance of The Walk to End Alzheimer's?

“The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is one of our biggest fundraisers and awareness events. By participating in one of our West Texas walks, you are supporting the Alzheimer’s Association at a local level where funds come back into our community to support those who are affected. By participating in the walk, you can help spread awareness and help learn valuable information and resources.”  

FirstCapital Bank of Texas (FCB) has been a proud supporter and sponsor of the West Texas Chapter Alzheimer’s Association for over 10 years and will be the Kids Corner Sponsor at this year’s Lubbock Walk to End Alzheimer’s event. The Kids Corner will consist of fun activities for children to enjoy such as face painting, games, and goodies.

FCB’s VP/Information Security Officer, Sheryl Ryan currently serves on the board for the West Texas Chapter Alzheimer’s Association.

“My grandmother was symptomatic with Alzheimer’s disease. The heartbreaking degenerative nature of this disease took a toll on our family, especially her caregiver, my mother. Supporting patients, caregivers, the association and finding a cure for this disease have become a passion of mine.  With all the support, I hope we can find the cure in my lifetime,” said Ryan.

This year’s Lubbock Walk to End Alzheimer’s event will talk place Saturday, Nov. 5 at Moonlight Musicals Amphitheater in Lubbock, Texas at 9 a.m.

To support the Alzheimer’s Association West Texas Chapter, you can register for any West Texas, Walk to End Alzheimer’s event and earn more by visiting their website here.

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