“Everyone in this room has supported this organization through philanthropy, through their expertise and through their time,” said Peggy Cunningham, executive director of the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County. Cunningham thanked the invited guests at a Donor Appreciation Reception last Wednesday evening at Northern Trust Bank, as they enjoyed a delicious spread of hors d’oeuvres provided by Wild Thyme Catering.

To put things into context, she provided some staggering statistics: Nationally, 5.7 million Americans are struggling with Alzheimer’s, 1.5 million are living with Parkinson’s, and there are 16.1 million unpaid caregivers assisting them. In Indian River County, statistically, there are 6,000 people with Alzheimer’s and up to 900 with Parkinson’s.

“Eighty percent of those with dementia are still living actively in our community and are being cared for by those unpaid family and friends,” said Cunningham. “The really shocking thing about those statistics is that this is going to double in the next 12 years.”

She noted that the mission of the local nonprofit, which relies solely on donations, is to help caregivers cope with family members who have memory issues or movement disorders.

“I want to mention, everything we do is free; that’s an outstanding claim to be able to make,” said Cunningham.

She noted some of their numerous programs and services: respite care at their facility and in-home respite; movement programs; training and education through annual conferences with expert speakers; a Dementia Friendly Community program that includes virtual dementia tours; nine-week caregiver Stress Busters classes; memory screenings that are open to anyone; Project Lifesaver for anyone at risk of wandering; and wellness programs aimed at successful aging.

“Everything that you do, we are hoping you will continue to do. If you can, we can. You’re the reason we can be a vital resource to the community,” said Cunningham, reiterating her thanks. “That you can allow us to give these programs for free is just amazing. You all know we don’t belong to any national organization. This is you; this is local and it’s because of you.”

Next up, their 15th annual Walk to Remember takes place Nov. 3 at Riverside Park. On April 10, Rita Moreno will be the guest speaker at their Successful Aging Luncheon at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.

For more information, visit alzpark.org.