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SarahShortSarah lives in Somerset, Kentucky and she is a geriatric social worker and owner of Comfort Keepers #362.

How long have you been involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and in what way(s) do you volunteer?  

I've been volunteering as a support group leader for five years; however, I've been involved with the Alzheimer's Association throughout my professional career and this year I'm also serving as Team Recruitment Chair for the Somerset Walk.

Why do you support the Association? How has Alzheimer’s disease personally affected you?

This is a devastating disease that not only affects persons with the disease, but also their families.  I've worked with many families battling this disease throughout my professional career as well as my personal life. My grandmother battled Alzheimer's and vascular dementia and currently I have an aunt battling the disease as well. I want to serve to find a cure for this disease in the future, but also to provide support to people now who are making their way through this devastating venture.

What impact do you feel your work with the Alzheimer’s Association has on the community?

I know the people who attend our support group feel some sense of belonging and hope and have found some sense of solace from it because they keep coming back month after month. I've found the more we can educate families about the disease, the better they are able to cope with all that comes with it.

What else are you involved in within your community?  

Partners in Caregiving, Pulaski Co. Elder Abuse Council, Tri-County Abuse Council for Elders, The Creek Church, Citizens National Bank Economic Advisory Committee, National Assoc. of Social Workers, KY Association for Gerontology, Aging Life Care Association, Home Care Association of America.

Why would you encourage others to support the Association?

We're looking for a cure and if we all pull together, it gets us that much closer! But, there is also work to be done for the people affected right now. I have people who attend our support group who have lost their family members to the disease, but we encourage them to continue coming because they have so much to offer those currently going through this.

Is there anything else you would like us to include or know about you?

First and foremost I'm a child of God, a wife, and a mommy to Harrison and Amelia. I love to read, listen to podcasts, travel and cook.

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