Still Alice, a wonderful experience

Still Alice
Contact Gail Sonnesso
252-480-3354
GEM Day Services, Inc.

Still Alice "."It was a wonderful day of learning, networking, and
supporting!"[Our families living with memory loss]

A recent showing of the film, "Still Alice," at the R/C Theaters received an
overwhelming community response with over 150 people in the audience. The
showing sponsored by GEM was made possible by the generosity of the OBX
Hospital and the Dare County Arts Council. The film, based on a book
written by Lisa Genova, is about a happily married woman with three grown
children, and is a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget
words. When she receives a diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease,
Alice and her family find their bonds thoroughly tested. Her struggle to
stay connected to who she once was is frightening, heartbreaking, and
inspiring
A panel followed the film addressing questions from the audience. Tess
Judge, Moderator, stated her concern for citizens of our community
struggling with the disease and welcomed this opportunity to bring some
awareness to the issue. She addressed questions to panel members: Kaye
White, Dare County's Delegate to the Senior Tar Heel Legislature; Lynne R.
Raisor, Family Caregiver Resource Specialist Albemarle Commission; Roisin
McKeithan, M.D., Family Practice Physician; Carol Meyer, R.N., widow of a
person with Alzheimer's Disease; and Tami Chase Montiel, R.N. whose father
passed away from Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia.

Panelists were asked questions such as "How long will a person live with a
diagnosis of Alzheimer's? What is the difference in the cost of care between
a facility and home care?' What activities are best to keep a person living
with dementia active and involved?'
Comments from the attendees: "What an experience! We thoroughly enjoyed
the movie; "Still Alice" There is nothing like seeing the struggle that our
people have to endure. We thank you for the opportunity to attend." "My
husband and I can witness everything that the family was experiencing, a
true story indeed." And from another "It was a wonderful day of learning,
networking, and supporting!"
We as a community have begun the conversation about this difficult disease
and we are very pleased that three Dare County Commissioners attended;
Margarette Umphlett, Wally Overman and Warren Judge.

GEM, a community based 501 (c) (3) non-profit, has been providing care for
Outer Banks families since 1996 and currently offers; Art at the Park a day
out at our local Parks for people living with memory loss and their
families; GEM In partnership with the Dare County Arts Council, offers
classes in pottery, Sea glass jewelry, beading, painting and more. Our
caregivers support group the "GEM Club" meets monthly at the Baum Senior
Center and our next program on Tuesday May 5th will feature a teaching DVD
with Teepa Snow, OTR, nationally known dementia trainer.

To learn more about GEM programs and volunteer opportunities contact Gail
Sonnesso, executive director at 252-480-3354 or by email at
gsonnesso@gmail.com