Anne Aquin, a senior staff member with Echostar Broadcasting and long-time volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, has been elected to serve on the board of directors of the Association’s Wyoming chapter.
Aquin has many years’ experience with the Association as a fundraiser and Walk to End Alzheimer’s chair, but it is the area of legislative advocacy that inspires her the most.
“I’ve lost both of my parents, two aunts and my mother-in-law to Alzheimer’s disease,” said Aquin. “I’m looking forward to helping the Association expand its advocacy outreach in Wyoming.”
Aquin is not alone in her family’s experience with dementia. More than 10,300 Wyomingites are living with Alzheimer's disease. Another 16,000 family members and friends provide unpaid care for their loved ones.
The newest board member also has been actively involved with the Alzheimer's Association through Echostar Broadcasting, a global satellite communications company. As a supervisor at the DISH Cheyenne Uplink Center, she has organized a Walk to End Alzheimer's team for many years, and typically has two large fund-raising events annually, including a raffle quilt and large bake sale.
“I am delighted that Anne has agreed to join the Wyoming board,” said Debra Antista-Bianchi, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association of Wyoming. “Her family’s experience is a reminder of the cruelty of Alzheimer’s. I admire her determination to want to help educate our legislators about the impact of this disease, as well as the importance of continuing to fund research to find a cure.”
Aquin intends to focus on assisting Association staff in recruiting, training and supporting volunteers like herself who advocate on Alzheimer’s-related issues with both state and federal elected officials.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.