Rhode Island Chapter Honors 2012 Class of Alzheimer's Champions

A champion is someone who takes action to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and the Association and thus increases the awareness of the disease.

We need CHAMPIONS to MOVE the cause forward, OPEN hearts and minds and be a VOICE for those affected by Alzheimer's disease.  By joining our campaign, you are supporting the 25,000 individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families and friends the Rhode Island Chapter serves.

"Champions are all around us - they are the researchers, caregivers, students, friends, family, loved ones with Alzheimer's disease and regular people who are reaching out, raising funds and increasing awareness."

Marc Davis - Marc is a secondary teacher of English and French who is taking some time off to spend more time with his children. He spends quite a bit of time running, coaching, tutoring and volunteering at his son's elementary school.
"I wanted to run the Paris Marathon but I also wanted it to mean something so I decided to use it as an opportunity to raise funds and support research and local programs for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Ray Gardner - Ray has owned Ray Gardener Designs for 20 years. He studied fashion and design at Rhode Island School of Design. Ray travels the world to find new and unique fashions for women.
"I am very involved in charitabe organizations and closest to my heart is the Alzheimer's Association.  My Mom passed away last year from Alzheimer's disease and I am committed to dedicating my time to this cause."

Larry and Joan Kent - Joan has been a caregiver for many years and is the caring voice on many of the RI Chapter Helpline calls. Each week, Joan volunteers in our office and has been on the Program Committee, Development Committee, Auction Committee, Walk Committee and more. Larry has taken photos for all of our events. Joan and Larry have a Walk Team and are both an integral part of our Chapter's success.
"We enjoy volunteering and we are involved with several committees and organizations but Alzheimer's has a special place because we are caregivers.  We volunteer because we enjoy it, not to receive anything in return."

Louise Manoukian - Louise has worked at Ray Gardner Designs for 12 years as Ray's personal assistant and General Manager of the corporation, Repete Inc.
"Both of my parents suffered from dementia and I know first hand how this disease affects families and its emotional cost.  I am committed to helping the Alzheimer's Association in any way I can and I hope for a cure in my lifetime."

Akshay Talwar - Akshay is the President of Medical Homes of Rhode Island Inc. including Briarcliffe Gardens, a state-of-the-art Memory Care Assisted Living Residence which he designed and built after an intensive research process and Briarcliffe Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation which features sub acute rehabilitation for medically comlex dementia and long term care for dementia. 
"I am motivated by my Father who was busy building new factories and lines of business well into his 90's along with a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle and doing work that he loved.  I share my Father's values for healthy living and equally strong drive to innovate, build, grow and help others."

Patti Wegrzyn-McGreen - Patti, a Senior Vice President in Marketing at Citizens Bank, currently leads the Business Intelligence Group and is responsible for Marketing Finance, Market Research, Database Management and Reporting & Analysis
"I always admired the staff when I was Board President and consistently reminded the Board of Directors how necessary it was to reward good staff in whatever ways are within the agency's resources."

Susan Whipple - Susan is the owner and administrator of Cedar Crest Nursing & Rehabilitation Centre in Cranston.  Susan has worked with seniors her entire career and has always looked for ways to improve the quality of life for this population.
"I continue to be blessed over the years with wonderful colleagues, friends and family like you who eagerly rally around important causes close to my heart.  Saving our future generations from the devastation of Alzheimer's disease is such a cause."