Volunteer whose dad has dementia leads fight to end Alzheimer's

Sarah Armisto of Harrison was only 17 when her father was diagnosed with early-onset Lewy Body dementia.

While she initially attended Alzheimer’s Association events to become involved with the cause, she soon discovered that volunteering was also an outlet for coping with her father’s illness. Armisto said she finds comfort and support in the process.

“It has helped me in more ways than you know,” Armisto said. “I’ve learned through being a volunteer that it is OK to be sad. Everyone is really there to support you.”

After walking in the Westchester Walk to End Alzheimer’s with her family in 2016, the next year Armisto assumed a leadership role as mission committee chair of that walk. In 2018, she became mission committee chair for both the Rockland and Orange/Sullivan walks. She now also serves as event chair for Rhythm & Vines, a music and wine festival coming up this Friday, July 20, at Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I’ve learned so much about the professional roles, which is important as a college student,” Armisto said of her experience in these leadership positions.

In December 2017, she graduated from Westchester Community College and is now enrolled in Leeham College, pursuing a degree in social work.

“I’ve always been an extroverted person, and I love helping others. I used to participate in Jump Rope for Heart for the American Heart Association, and I was one of the top fundraisers in the Hudson Valley,” she said.

At 22, Armisto finds she is often the youngest person in the room with a parent affected by the disease.

“I represent a small percentage of people, and that makes people more willing to listen,” she said, noting that her unique situation has moved her to share her story. As mission committee chair for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Rockland and Orange/Sullivan counties, she finds herself doing so frequently.

“One of my strengths is social media,” she said, which she uses to target a younger generation and reach out to potential donors and walk participants.

When she meets new volunteers, Armisto said she shares what she’s learned from her experience with the disease and what she’s gained from volunteering. She believes her story can inspire and motivate new volunteers to become more involved.

“It may be too late for my dad,” Armisto said, “But I know one day it will probably help me and my kids and other people in the future.”

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. Call the 24-hour Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit www.alz.org/hudsonvalley.

If you go

What: Rhythm & Vines, a fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 20

Where: Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery

114 Little York Road, Warwick, NY 10990

Tickets: $30 until July 18; $40 at the door.

Web: rhythmandvines.org

If you go

What: Orange/Sullivan Walk to End Alzheimer’s

When: Saturday, Oct. 6. Registration is at 9 a.m., opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and walk at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Thomas Bull Memorial Park, 211 Route 416, Montgomery, NY 12549

Register: OrangeSullivanWalk.org

Contact: Walk Manager Susan Bunce at sbunce@alz.org or 845.378.1067.

If you go

What: Rockland Walk to End Alzheimer’s

When: Sunday, Oct. 7. Registration is at 9 a.m., opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and walk at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Palisades Credit Union Park, 1 Palisades Credit Union Park Drive, Pomona, NY 10970

Register: RocklandWalk.org

Contact: Walk Manager Susan Bunce at sbunce@alz.org or 845.378.1067.