La Grange resident, Maureen Gavan, started "Betty's Love" in 2006 as a way to help educate families, friends and caregivers about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and cognitive disabilities. Maureen has spent more than 30 years dealing with this disease that affected her mom, Betty, as well as three uncles, two aunts and both grandfathers.
"Betty’s Love" has become a valued resource for support, information and action by families across the Chicago area and around the world. In fact, her website, www.bettyslove.org, is regularly visited by families from more than 80 countries on five continents.
While Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and all forms of dementia are devastating diagnoses, her goal with "Betty’s Love" is to give hope and encouragement. "There is so much that can be done to boost and sustain cognition, minimize the manifestation of dementia/cognitive impairment and build brain reserve," said Gavan. "Betty's Love" empowers families with knowledge and tools so that their loved ones are ensured the highest quality of life for the longest period of time possible.
"Betty’s Love is changing brains and changing lives one family at a time. Our organization has helped to change the way people think, talk, live and thrive despite Alzheimer’s," said Gavan.
Today in America alone, 5.1 million people are living with Alzheimer’s (only one form of dementia) and it is now the sixth-leading ‘cause’ of death. Another American is diagnosed every 70 seconds and every hour, 52 more families begin an Alzheimer’s journey. By 2050, that number is expected to quadruple.
In addition to their website and one-on-one meetings, "Betty's Love" offers a weekly support group called "Embrace" for family, friends and caregivers. Embrace meets at the La Grange headquarters and is also accessible by phone and Internet. "We are companions on the journey through Alzheimer’s, meeting to share research news, tips, and our own stories of hope, joy, and love," said Gavan.
There is no cost to attend a meeting. For more information regarding "Betty's Love" or to make a donation, call 708-420-LOVE (5683) or visit their website at www.bettyslove.org.
