http://www.alz.org/illinois/in_my_community_61068.asp
Maria Isabel Leon Fiesta felt lost when she first learned her father, Felix Leon, had Alzheimer’s disease. Living in Chicago, she sought out a support group through Northwestern University. From there, she heard about the Alzheimer’s Association, visiting the organization’s Chicago headquarters where she combed the library and learned of the many resources available to those grappling with a diagnosis of dementia in a loved one.
But she wanted to do even more.
“I wanted to volunteer,” Fiesta said. “I trained as an Alzheimer’s Association Community Representative (AACR) with the Greater Illinois Chapter.”
A move to Iowa meant she had to relinquish the role but when an opportunity to aid the Chapter from her home in a neighboring state arose last year, Fiesta didn’t hesitate.
Along with seven others, Fiesta has translated several documents — everything from topic sheets on dementia and driving to medication safety to information on Alzheimer’s Association services — from English to Spanish.
“I was very grateful to be a part of the translation team because it’s a way to give back,” said Fiesta, who personally worked on 13 different documents.
Fiesta’s efforts in bringing awareness to critical senior issues are far from over, however. The Peruvian native is currently studying gerontology at Iowa State University and working on a website, a repository of information, for those in Peru who are affected by Alzheimer’s.
“In Peru, they think dementia is a normal part of the aging process,” she said.
Click here to learn more about the Greater Illinois Chapter’s diversity outreach initiatives.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php