Londonderry Resident Fights Back Against Alzheimer's

Ella Schwotzer, of Londonderry, has been an employee at the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter for over four years. As Public Relations Coordinator she has spoken with many individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts; although each story is different, Schwotzer shares a common bond.

“My Nana was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease prior to my hire at the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Schwotzer. “I was relieved to hear that the Alzheimer’s Association provided families with free education and support services since my family could benefit as well. Throughout the years we have attended education programs and talked with the clinical team at the 24/7 Helpline to find local resources for my Nana.”

Schwotzer’s Nana lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease in October 2013. This year, Schwotzer will take part in the opening ceremony at the Central New Hampshire Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday Sept. 27 at Arms Park in Manchester to represent a family member who has lost a loved one to the disease.

“Before the Walk, we do an opening ceremony around our Promise Garden,” said Schwotzer. “It’s very powerful. It shows that we may all be at the Walk for different reasons, but we are all united in our fight against Alzheimer’s and related disorders.”

During the ceremony are four different colored flowers to represent for different reasons people choose to support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. There is a representative from the community who has Alzheimer’s disease, a person who is supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, a person who is advocating to put an end to the disease and a person who has lost someone they loved to Alzheimer’s. Together, the flowers make up the Promise Garden.

“It was hard losing my Nana,” said Schwotzer. “I am honored to be a part of the Promise Garden ceremony; most importantly I am happy to be able to work for an organization that is looking to change the future. There is no better way to honor her memory.”

“Ella’s commitment to the cause motivates all that she does— and that is so important because we are really in a race against time with this disease,” said Betsy Fitzgerald, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs.

More than 5 million people in America are living with Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. For information or to sign-up to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, call 800-272-3900 or visit www.alzwalkMANH.org.

Photo caption: Top photo: Ella Schwotzer (second to the left) at the State House signing of HB1572, a bill that will help NH better services residents with Alzheimer’s.
Left to Right: Leonor Buitrago (Alzheimer’s Association Employee), Schwotzer, Jim Wessler (Alzheimer’s Association President/CEO), Shirley Gordon (Alzheimer’s Association Board Member), Governor Margaret Hassan, Heather Carroll (Alzheimer’s Associaiton Employee), Becky Coliandris (Alzheimer’s Association Employee), Ralph White (Alzheimer’s Association Board Member). Bottom photo: A photo of young Ella Schwotzer with her Nana Josie.

Submitted content. Courtesy photo.