AWARE Meeting Hosted by CC Young featured Sanam Lalani, PhD, Clinical Neuropsychology Shedding Light on “Neuropsychology’s Role in Dementia”
(Featured photo: Karen Koop, President, AWARE; Sanam Lalani, PhD, featured speaker.)*
The AWARE membership meeting and luncheon was hosted by CC Young and featured a fascinating presentation by Sanam Lalani, PhD, Clinical Neuropsychology, speaking on “Neuropsychology’s Role in Dementia.”
Karen Koop, AWARE president, welcomed everyone saying how beautiful the room was with the bright cheerful floral overlay tablecloths topped with centerpieces of springtime pink tulips and a favorite, Caprese Salad as the starter. Luncheon was a most delicious chicken Milanese with arugula, cherry tomatoes, spinach salad and rustic potatoes followed by a tasty dessert of lemon tiramisu.
Following Dr. Cindy Marshall’s Medical Minute, members of the board gave their updates and reports. Stacey Angel showed the lovely tall crystal prisms that were presented to the AWARE Affair gala chairs and honorees. Everyone was delighted and gave a round of applause thanking gala chairs Angie Carpenter, Kamilia Smith, MD and Lacey Young; honorees Sharon Walker as the recipient of the Founder’s Spirit Award and Barbara Mathes as the recipient of the Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award.
Karisti Julia had a very touching moment when she presented Karen with a gift in honor of her serving as 2023-2024 president and also had a surprise announcement: Karen has signed on as 2024-2025 president, which also celebrates AWARE’s 35th year fighting Alzheimer’s. Karen also recognized and gave heartfelt thanks to Christy Callahan, general manager of the J. McLaughlin shop in Preston Center, who had supported AWARE with a day-long shopping spree, donating a percentage of sales to AWARE.
Joining in the event were Janet and Jack Broyles, Emily Collins, Mari Epperson, Jolie Humphrey, Ann McKinley, Carol Stabler, Bob Walker, C’Mone Wingo, Sheryl Wood and more.
Karen Jennings from Baylor Scott & White shared statistics about Alzheimer’s disease. After an introduction by Karisti, Dr. Lalani began her very interesting presentation. She explained the different types of dementia, what the signs are and said it is best to determine if someone has dementia early on because there are many treatments available and it’s wise to determine a treatment plan as soon as possible. She emphasized healthy eating, sleeping and exercise habits. She said social engagement is also an important part of a healthy lifetime plan.
For 35 years, AWARE has given hope and help to those in Dallas and the greater North Texas area affected by Alzheimer’s disease. AWARE undertakes thoughtful research and conducts site visits to identify nonprofit organizations that actively help all those affected by Alzheimer’s in the north Texas community and award grants to assist them in their work. To date, AWARE has awarded nearly $14.5 million to worthy programs and research. Learn more at the website www.awaredallas.org
AWARE Mission: AWARE is dedicated to fighting Alzheimer’s disease by providing funding and support to programs, projects, and research provided by nonprofit organizations that actively help individuals affected by Alzheimer’s in Dallas and the greater North Texas area.
AWARE conducts an annual grant review process by which grant applicants are carefully and thoughtfully vetted to ensure that grant dollars are awarded to organizations that provide outstanding services to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, and to those research institutions that are at the forefront of medical research in the treatment, prevention, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. The 2024-2025 Grant Recipients will be announced soon.
Together with compassion and dedication we can make a difference. Join AWARE now and join the fight. www.AWAREDallas.org Instagram: @awaredallas Facebook: @awaredallas
*Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent AWARE and its special events, announcements and gala and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)
