Alzheimer's Association honors Poughkeepsie woman for devotion to cause

The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter has named Poughkeepsie resident Donna Lombardi Slavin one of its 12 Women’s Champions. The champions from around the Hudson Valley were chosen because of their extraordinary devotion to the cause. As champions, they have committed to make Alzheimer’s a priority in their lives, work and philanthropy.

The coordinator for Always There Home Care in Kingston, Slavin is deeply devoted to fighting Alzheimer’s disease. Beginning with a job at a nursing home when she was 16, she has spent her entire career working closely with the elderly and knows how traumatic the disease can be. She is a regular participant and team captain in the Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will be held this year on Saturday, Oct. 14, starting on the Highland side of the Walkway Over the Hudson.

“I do what I can for the Alzheimer’s Association … with a team that will hopefully be there for a long time to help fight this disease,” she said, referring to her Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, Team Always There.

The Women’s Champions program aims to empower women to strike back against Alzheimer’s. Women make up two-thirds of those affected by the disease and more than 60 percent of caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. To read about all 12 of the Women’s Champions, visit the newly launched website at alzchampions.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. To learn more about the Hudson Valley Chapter, call 800.272.3900 or visit www.alz.org/hudsonvalley.

To learn more about the Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit WalkwayWalk.org.