Local news highlights

Silver Alert Legislation Passes and Eastern TN Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is Offering to Help Implement the Program
         
October 15, 2009 - WBIR-TV - "Alert system for missing seniors now law; next comes implementation"

The Eastern Tennessee Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is now reaching out to area law enforcement agencies in an effort to partner with them and provide training on how to best assist those with dementia and Alzheimer's disease who may wander. Silver Alert legislation signed into law in August 2009 explains that the program shall be coordinated by local law enforcement agencies which may choose to seek the assistance of non-profit organizations including the “Alzheimer’s Association.” 

"The general assembly finds that, in the case of a missing senior citizen, the first few hours are critical in finding the senior citizen. To aid in the identification and location of missing senior citizens, there is hereby created the missing senior citizen alert program," the signed bill reads.

Studies show six out of 10 individuals with Alzheimer's disease will wander during the course of the disease. The Alzheimer's Association has backed the SafeReturn program, a bracelet program to help reunite those who wander. Caregivers call a hotline, and law enforcement is notified as well as others in the community

Area advocates visited lawmakers in Nashville in March 2009 on Alzheimer's Association Legislative Day to VOICE their opinions on Silver Alert and other proposed legislation that has a direct impact on programs meant to provide care and protection for those facing Alzheimer’s disease.  

The volunteers who took part in the statewide Alzheimer's Association Legislative Day at the state capitol wore purple shirts proclaiming "Voice" and "Move" as well as other messages tied to efforts to defeat the disease. Families and caregivers had the chance to share their stories about Alzheimer’s disease with dozens of local lawmakers, bringing attention to the needs of the more than 100,000 Tennesseans facing memory-loss that is NOT a normal part of aging.  

                Click HERE to Read More

Click Here to view copy of Silver Alert legislation passed with the help of area legislators.

Phillip Fulmer and other “Champions for the Cause” inspire volunteers at the Knoxville Regional Memory Walk Kickoff

             April 18, 2009: WBIR-TV's "Live at Five at Four" 

TV viewers saw more than 70 volunteers listening as Phillip Fulmer shared how his mother is living with the disease. He encouraged the volunteers to “tackle Alzheimer’s” and take even bigger steps this year to fundraise for the upcoming Memory Walk – exactly two months away. WBIR’s Beth Haynes and Russell Biven, along with WBIR/WIVK traffic anchor Ed Rupp and WIVK’s Gunner told volunteers they are also committed to the cause.  The long-time supporters explained that they are the “messengers” and will do whatever they can to support the volunteer fundraisers.Santa &Mrs. Claus join the fight against Alzheimer's disease

December 18, 2008: WVLT Volunteer TV:
This Christmas Santa & Mrs. Clause are delivering more than just toy. They’re spreading the word about Alzheimer’s. (They would never want to forget any good little girls or boys.) 
The Clauses came all the way from the North Pole to share brain-healthy stocking stuffer ideas with anchor Stacy McCloud. Of course, the $1 Arby’s coupon books — worth $20 in savings — are at the top of their stocking stuffer list!

"Alzheimer's Memory Walk a success"

December 14, 2008: The Mountain Press

Support Alzheimer's at Arby's

December 2008:  WIVK 107.7 FM
Gunner -- popular personality and longtime Alzheimer's Association supporter -- interviewed Arby’s John Johnson about the Arby’s coupon book sales and how they benefit the Association.

Thank A True Volunteer

November 29, 2008 WBIR-TV, WIVK, and the News Sentinel help the Alzheimer's Association and Vol fans thank Coach Phillip Fulmer before and during his final UT home football game.

Celebrities get creative and competitive for Alzheimer's

November 19, 2008: WBIR TV /WIVK FM
WBIR's Beth Haynes, Russell Biven, and Michele Silva along with WBIR/WIVK personality Ed Rupp compete in the Cupcakery’s Celebrity Decorating contest. Beth and Michele tie!

Alzheimer's Awareness Sunday, November 16, 2008

WBIR-TV 10News Weekend covers Alzheimer's Awareness Sunday 
Crossroads Christian Church participated in Alzheimer's Awareness Sunday, an event designed to help trusted church leaders reach out to invdividuals who may be at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

WVLT Volunteer TV: Church preaches Alzheimer's prevention
ReporterMike McCarthy's story about Alzheimer's Awareness Sunday personalized the occasion, by including Pastor William Lundy and a Crossroads Christian church member who recently lost his wife after her battle with Alzheimer’s.

B97.5 “Songs of Worship and Praise” 
Segments focusing on National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Sunday, the disease, the newly released USPS stamp, and the upcoming SafeReturn Free Enrollment event air.

Focus on Caregiver Training

November 14, 2008: WBIR-TV 10News Today
Anchor Russell Biven interviewed Sevier County Caregiver Carl McCarter about the joys and challenges of caring for his wife of 43 years. Ellie McCarter is facing the late stages of Alzheimer's disease. Associaion Board Member Dr. Teresa Catron also talked about the upcoming Caregiver Training.

“Alzheimer’s Disease: Today and Tomorrow”

November 12, 2008: WBIR-TV 10News
Long-time anchor Robin Wilhoit interviewed board member Dr. John Dougherty of UT Medical Center about  during the new 5 p.m. show’s Newsmaker of the Day segment.

“Ask A Neighbor”

November 11, 2008: WYSH 1380 AM Radio in Clinton 
Interim Alzheimer's Association Program Director Linda Johnson and PR Director Kay Watson were guests on the “Ask A Neighbor” program to talk about about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Association’s upcoming Caregiver Training Seminar in Anderson County.

National Alzheimer's Awareness Month Kickoff

November 1, 2008: WBIR-TV 10News Weekend Morning show kicks off
Anchor Brittany Bailey and Cupcakery owner Meredith Layton discussed the disease and the cupcake that will be sold to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. The Cupcaker is donating $1 from the sale of each blueberry cheesecake cupcake, as part of the Knoxville bakery’s “Community Cup” program during

The scoop on fundraising

September 7, 2008: Daily Times "Here's the Scoop: Teams find creative ways to raise money for Alzheimer's Memory Walk"

News Releases and Announcements

Fulmers still backing volunteers!
"Tackle Alzheimer's"

True Volunteers Phillip and Vicky Fulmer are once again serving as Honorary Chairpersons for the Knoxville Regional Memory Walk on Saturday April 18, 2009.  The coach and his wife impacted countless lives through the University of Tennessee football program, while the life of their loved one has forever been touched by Alzheimer’s disease.  Click here for full release on the 2009 Knoxville Regional Memory Walk Kickoff on April 18, 2009.