Volunteer spotlight – Alzheimer’s Association
In 2015, the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter engaged 1,996 volunteers who contributed 16,555 hours of community service, with a monetary value totaling $381,923.00. This is the equivalent of almost 10 full time employees. In this article, we feature one of our Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter volunteers, Maury Elmore.
In 2015, the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter engaged 1,996 volunteers who contributed 16,555 hours of community service, with a monetary value totaling $381,923.00. This is the equivalent of almost 10 full time employees. In this article, we feature one of our Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter volunteers, Maury Elmore.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter is deeply saddened by the news of Maury Elmore’s passing. The chapter would like to thank him for all his time, hard work and dedication to our organization.
What led to your involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association?
“I took care of my wife who had Alzheimer’s for about 6 or 7 years, and it was a different experience every day. You would get frustrated, then happy, and then you’d get frustrated again. It was difficult at times because you’d think things are going along okay, but then they take a turn. To always be around somebody like that…that you really love and care for… it can be really hard to deal with sometimes. A little before my wife passed away I went down to an Alzheimer’s event at The Crowne Plaza in Springfield. I didn’t know much (about the disease) at the time, so I went down there to maybe learn more about it. I got in contact with some Alzheimer’s Association people and they helped me sign up to be a volunteer, and I’ve been volunteering for about three years now “
What kinds of volunteer work have you done with the association?
“I support the Association as much as I can. I usually go to events and fairs as an AACR (Alzheimer’s Association Community Representative). I’m also a retired contractor, so I built a special memory board for the Springfield Walk last year. People could come up and write who they were walking for on the board, or just write a little message for others to read. It was a huge success… I was happy to do it. I’ve met a lot of nice people who work with the Association, which is real rewarding for me because I’m by myself now. It wasn’t great how I met those people with my wife being sick, but I’m happy that I did.”
Why should others volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association?
“They (the Alzheimer’s Association) always need help. Alzheimer’s is something that a lot of people don’t know much about. The more people that get involved and know about it, the more they can advise others on what to do or where to go for help. Alzheimer’s can be really hard to cope with, so we need all the help we can get.”
“Maury may have started out as a volunteer in the Springfield office, but his unique personality and “way with the ladies” soon made him a friend to all he met.” – The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter Springfield Office Staff: Tina Arnold, Sara McGady, & Kelly Lane
“Maury’s caring and jovial nature always brightened my day. He had a way about him that made everyone feel comfortable. He has left a lasting imprint on my life and will surely be missed by all of his friends at the Association.” – Elizabeth Wells: Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter Bloomington Office – See more at: http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/weekly/2016/february/feb17/volunteeer.asp#sthash.GD8wAWwO.dpuf
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