FOR RELEASE ON APRIL 14, 2016
Launch of New Non-Profit Focused on Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
HOUSTON, Texas—The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care (GWF) has been established to improve the lives of all impacted by early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Our mission is to provide programs, education, resources, and training for patients, caregivers, families, employers, and healthcare professionals. The GWF does not direct funding towards Alzheimer’s research, as all efforts and funding are focused on programs, services, and support for individuals and families affected by early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is often thought to only impact older adults, however, early onset Alzheimer’s disease impacts people under the age of 65, with symptoms beginning in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. These individuals face many obstacles such as difficulty in receiving a diagnosis; loss of income, work roles, and related benefits during prime working years; many are still raising their families and their children (under the age of 18) assume many of the caregiving responsibilities; they are not eligible for services from Medicare or the Administration on Aging as they are under 60 years of age; and they face challenges finding age-appropriate programs, services, and long-term care placement.
The GWF will work to become the care pathway for early onset Alzheimer’s disease in the greater Houston area. Through this care pathway, individuals and families would have access to a more streamlined approach in obtaining proper medical care, information, resources, support, and programs. The GWF would be a leader of social change in the understanding, treatment, services, and care for the individual with early onset Alzheimer’s, as well as the family unit that is also impacted by the disease.
Gayle Wells was a native Houstonian. After surviving three separate cancers within four years, and experiencing memory problems that did not improve, Gayle was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2009. It became evident after her diagnosis, that there was very little information available as to the progression of the disease, as well as minimal programs and services. Gayle died from early onset Alzheimer’s disease in September 2011.
“Love is the cornerstone through which the Gayle Wells Foundation was created. No one will be denied services and we will provide consistent support and reassurance as we walk this journey with those impacted by early onset Alzheimer’s. With programs, services, love, and care, we believe that one’s spirit can still shine through despite the hardship of early onset Alzheimer’s disease,” says Laura Sutherland, founder and executive director of the GWF and care partner to Gayle.
In an effort to bring awareness about the GWF to the community, “Get Acquainted” sessions will be held in various locations throughout the greater Houston area. Currently, the following sessions have been scheduled (light food and beverage will be provided at each session):
Saturday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: The Montrose Center, 401 Branard (Room 114)
Tuesday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant, 19820 Northwest Freeway
Thursday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant, 21875 Katy Freeway
Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Guad (Texas Chef-Mex), 2925 Southwest Freeway
CONTACT:
Laura Sutherland, LMSW
Founder & Executive Director
832-470-9526
laura@gaylewells.org