Today, more than 6.5 million Americans are living with dementia; that number is projected to double–reaching nearly 13 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases.
You can help us raise awareness about the rising incidence of dementia in the Sauk Valley. Make a gift to the 2022 CGH Health Foundation Annual Appeal campaign, called “Memories Matter.” Over $106,000 has been raised toward the $475,000 goal for all 16 funded programs. The Dementia Project continues through April 30, 2023.
The new initiative is focused on raising awareness of the disease and offering resources and assistance to those impacted. Make a gift online at https://www.cghmc.com/forms/giving-back/, via Venmo @CGH-HealthFoundation, or by sending a check to CGH Health Foundation, c/o Joan Hermes, 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling, IL 61081.
A Tuesday, June 28, Community Forum on Dementia was attended by just over 100 people. Dementia education presentations have been provided at CGH Medical Center and area nursing homes. Northwest Illinois support groups in Sterling, Polo, and Mt. Morris have been formed. Several more are in the works in Dixon, Prophetstown, and Milledgeville.
A two-part dementia Workshop for Caregivers will be at 5:30 p.m., on Thursday, October 6, and Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Bethel Reformed Church, 230 E. 23rd Street, Sterling.
Leading the campaign are Mark and Margaret Zumdahl, Sterling, General Co-Chairs. Their leadership team includes Dr. Eric Kuhns, Medical Division, CGH Family Practice physician; Veronica Edwards, Business Division Chair, Hugh F. Miller Insurance Agency CEO; Bob Sondgeroth, Clubs Division Chair, retired Regional Superintendent of Schools for Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties; Mimi Hicks, CGH Daycare Director, and Sandy Williams, CGH retiree, are the CGH Employee Division Co-Chairs.
For more information go to www.cghmc.com/foundation or call Executive Director Joan Hermes at 815-625-0400, extension 5672.