Sue lives in Mayfield, Kentucky and she is a retired owner/operator of Sue Adams Sign Painting & Commercial Art.
How long have you been involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and in what way(s) do you volunteer?
I am a co-leader of our local support group, the Mayfield/Graves County Alzheimer’s Support Group, and have been for 20+ years. I also raise money every year for the Purchase Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Paducah, KY.
Why do you support the Association? How has Alzheimer’s disease personally affected you?
My mother was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1987 and she passed away in 2008. We helped my dad care for her at home for ten years, then she was in a nursing facility for almost eleven years. Now, I am currently the caregiver for an elderly cousin who has dementia.
What impact do you feel your work with the Alzheimer’s Association has on the community?
When I first began raising funds for the Walk, it seemed that not very many people knew what Alzheimer’s was and I would have to explain it to them. Sadly, I no longer have to explain it since it affects nearly every family, in some way, now. Helping raise money also raises awareness of the Association as well as our local support group.
Why would you encourage others to support the Association?
I would encourage others because it is very rewarding. Also, Alzheimer’s is so wide-spread now and people need to realize that it could someday affect their own families, as it has ours.
Is there anything else you would like us to include or know about you?
I continue to walk for my children and my grandchildren. I will be 72 in March, so I don’t know how long I will be able to continue. But, until then, I’ll carry on and share the Alzheimer’s banner wherever I go!