Celebrating 35 Years!  Friends of AWARE Luncheon at Arlington Hall Featured Insightful Advice From Namirah Jamshed, MD

Pop-Up Fashion Presentation by J. McLaughlin

(Featured photo: Namirah Jamshed, MD; Karen Koop.)

Celebrating 35 Years!  AWARE held its fall Friends Luncheon at Arlington Hall in Turtle Creek Park featuring an insightful presentation by Namirah Jamshed, MD on “Managing Medications Safely in Older Adults.”     

Karen Koop, president, welcomed the crowd, giving a brief overview of AWARE and its support of the 2024-2025 Grant Recipients, saying that all the funds raised by AWARE stay in North Texas.       

Encouraging everyone to join the group as a Friend of AWARE, she also recognized her new board, which are Emily Collins, Treasurer; Stacey Angel,  Finance; Catherine Weber, Finance Elect; Ellen Mata, Corresponding Secretary; Rosanne McAdam, Recording Secretary; Sharon Ballew, Development; Ann McKinley, Membership; Gail Plummer, Grant Review; Mari Epperson, Programs; Karisti Julia, Programs; Rev. Nicole Bates, Inspirational; Venise Stuart, Past President Advisor; Carol Stabler, Directory/Yearbook; Dr. Cindy Marshall, Medical Minute; Dr. Chandramallika Basak, Medical Minute and Bob Walker, Parliamentarian.

Dr. Cynthia Marshall led the board reports with the Medical Minute, speaking about advancements in Alzheimer’s and other dementia’s advancements in treatments and medications. After the invocation, Christy Callahan from the J. McLaughlin shop in Preston Center, shared scoop on the upcoming fall fashion trends, colors, combinations, and also presented a $900 check to Karen, which were the results of the percentage of sales benefiting AWARE North Texas.      

Ann McKinley spoke about the new Friends of AWARE, saying there is much in store for everyone who joins, including invitations to events like this one, events in private homes, educational meetings, advance notice of the largest fundraiser, AWARE Affair gala and more.

Sharon Ballew gave a wrap up report on last spring’s AWARE Affair gala, and said to stay tuned for updates on the April 2025 event. Announcements will be on the website at www.awaredallas.org . Karisti Julia said to mark calendars for the next Friends luncheon which happens on November 12 and features Dr. Jennifer Wheeler, Plano Symphony, speaking on “Healing Notes.” 

As everyone enjoyed their delicious luncheon, Dr. Jamshed shed light on trends in medications, reminding everyone to track side effects of the medications which they or a loved one are prescribed, weigh the risks and benefits, talk with your physician about reconciling all medications and over time, perhaps decreasing medications. She said combined, medications can be harmful as much as beneficial and it’s crucial to make informed decisions.  

To know more about AWARE, the upcoming Spring 2025 gala, join the Friends group, visit the website at www.awaredallas.org

About AWARE:
AWARE is a nonprofit organization that empowers North Texans to rise above the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, together. Since AWARE’s founding in 1989 by a group of volunteers, the Dallas-based organization has invested more than $14 million in local providers, researchers and innovators fighting for our loved ones and a cure. Every dollar that AWARE grants stays in North Texas to benefit the local community.

AWARE also invites North Texans to join Friends of AWARE —a community of individuals, caregivers and professionals with a vested interest in supporting the best care in our region today and hope for a cure tomorrow. Individuals navigating the challenges of these diseases—including patients, caregivers and professionals—connect, learn and advocate for solutions in North Texas.

The community can support AWARE’s mission by joining Friends of AWARE, attending its annual signature fundraiser, AWARE Affair, or donating. Join Friends of AWARE at www.awaredallas.org.

AWARE is a component fund of The Dallas Foundation, a 501c3 publicly supported charity.

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 post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)