The Santa Clarita Alzheimer’s Awareness Project is a newly formed group of local business owners and community members who are committed to bringing awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease to Santa Clarita year round. They will host educational events, increase support groups, advocate with local politicians and support the families of those suffering with the difficulties of the disease.

Among those who have signed on is Stephanie Cornthwaite, owner of Safety Steph CPR Training and First Aid. Her great Aunt Ruth recently succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease and is her motivation for getting involved. Stephanie recalls, “My aunt loved to tell stories about her childhood. But in 2003 we noticed her repeating the stories over and over. Eventually it became obvious that something was wrong. She adds, “I’m convinced it wasn’t just the disease but also her way of making sure the stories would live on. The day I was returning from her funeral I got the call asking me to join The Project. It is the perfect opportunity to honor her memory and help others. I work and walk for my Aunt Ruth.

Debbie DiCorrado’s mother lost her battle with Alzheimer’s in 2013. Debbie says “This debilitating disease stole 7 years of my mom’s personality and spirit from her and our family and friends.” Adding “I want to be a part of the movement that makes a difference to everyone who is affected. And I’m excited to be a part of a group involved in raising awareness that leads to funding research for a cure.

The SCV Alzheimer’s Awareness Project’s first local event is being organized by Abi Caruthers of L.O.V.E Weight Loss. Abi is hoping to sign up at least 100 people to learn a dance routine and participate in Flash Mobs where they will perform unannounced throughout the community. Dance volunteers will be passing out information related to Alzheimer’s Disease.

The dance will be choreographed and taught by Ingrid Blanco D’Wilfri DanceArt & Entertainment who is donating her time. The lesson is scheduled for Saturday, June 25th at her studio located at 28368 Constellation Rd., Valencia at 1pm. Interested dancers of all skill levels are asked to rsvp to Abi via email at loveweightloss@gmail.com by June 21st.

The Flash Mob is just one of the various events and educational projects planned by the new group. They will be working with other organizations devoted to Alzheimer’s Disease including the Alzheimer’s Association California Southland 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s scheduled for Saturday, October 8th at Bridgeport Park, Valencia. Go to act.alz.org to register.

They are also collaborating with Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles. AlzGLA plans to open a satellite office here in Santa Clarita and will be hosting a facilitator training class on July 26th at Oakmont Assisted Living.

The group has set up a Facebook site to post events and information. Just search ‘Santa Clalrita Valley Alzheimer’s Awareness Project and “like” the page to get updates. There are also Instagram and Twitter accounts; for Instagram use SCVALZAWARE and on Twitter use SCVAlzAware.

For more information on any of the events or subjects covered here please contact Rick Ferrante at rferrante@homecaresantaclarita.com.