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Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in providing high-impact support and education programs for families in Los Angeles living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The 7th Annual Visionary Women’s Afternoon Tea returns in person on International Women’s Day, Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the London West Hollywood.
This year’s Breaking Boundaries Award will be dedicated to Nancy Paulikas in memorium and accepted on her behalf by her husband Kirk Moody and her parents George and Joan Paulikas. Nancy, a former Manhattan Beach resident who was living with early-onset Alzheimer’s, disappeared in 2016 after wandering away from her family at LACMA. The two-year search ended in tragedy when her remains were found in the Santa Monica Mountains. Her family’s harrowing experience turned into a full advocacy effort to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies and culminated with the founding of the LA Found program which tracks and brings home people with cognitive impairment who are at higher risks of wandering. LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who helped in the search for Nancy and championed the LA Found program, will receive the Impact Award. The program will also recognize local caregiver Marisela Diaz with the Caring Hearts Award.
Alzheimer’s LA’s annual Visionary Women’s event highlights the harsh fact that women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s at a significantly higher rate than men. Alzheimer’s is now the third leading cause of death for older women in Los Angeles. Two-thirds of those affected by Alzheimer’s are women – that’s 3.8 million women, including over 113,000 that live in LA County. In addition, women make up the majority of caregivers for those living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
“Alzheimer’s truly is a women’s health issue,” says Randi Jones, event chair and Alzheimer’s LA Board member. “Women are more likely to be diagnosed, and women make up the overwhelming majority of caregivers in our community. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can have high physical, emotional, and financial costs. With the funds raised from this event, Alzheimer’s LA provides support, education, and emergency assistance to caregivers on the brink of exhaustion.”
It’s also very important that we shine a light on the impact that women like Nancy Paulikas, Supervisor Hahn, and Ms. Diaz have on our community during Women’s History Month, which is dedicated to reflecting on the often-overlooked contributions of women in our society.
The in-person event will be hosted by actress Sharon Lawrence (Dynasty, Shameless) and Windsor Square resident. Tickets are available for purchase until Wednesday, March 1st at AlzheimersLA.org/Visionary.
About Alzheimer’s Los Angeles
For more than 40 years Alzheimer’s Los Angeles has served people throughout Los Angeles County . 100% of funds raised stay local, providing free care and support for individuals and families. Low-cost training and education are also offered for professionals. Alzheimer’s Los Angeles focuses on care, support, advocacy, and local research. Alzheimer’s is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the Helpline at 844.HELP.ALZ or visit www.alzheimersLA.org
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