Alzheimer's Association Greater NJ Chapter - Volunteer Spotlight

The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter, the leading volunteer-driven health organization in Alzheimer's care, support, advocacy and research is spotlighting people who make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia. May, which features Mother’s Day, is a time to recognize and celebrate the women in our lives, and remember that Alzheimer's is a women’s issue. Not only are women more likely to have Alzheimer's, they are also more likely to be caregivers of those living with the disease. This month we are proud to shine a spotlight on Robert Brai, Greater NJ Chapter Board Chair, an active member of the Monmouth-Ocean Walk to End Alzheimer's Planning Committee and Advocate, who thrust himself into action when his mother was diagnosed with dementia.

Rob explains, "My mom, Leda, was diagnosed with dementia in 2016 and specifically Alzheimer's in 2017. In 2018 I had to relocate her from Virginia into a dementia care community here in New Jersey. During this process I reached out to the Alzheimer's Association for education, support and community resources. Mom would call me several times a day at work, crying and not having the ability to articulate what was upsetting her. This caused me much frustration and emotional pain. If that wasn't bad enough, then the COVID-19 outbreak hit New Jersey and I was no longer allowed to visit my mother. Nothing prepared me for that scenario. It was difficult not being able to see mom, give her a kiss, hold her hand, and especially dance with her and make her laugh. I would FaceTime with her, but it's not the same as being there to reassure her everything will be ok. Mom had no concept of what was happening with the virus and that was probably a good thing.”

"My experience with my mother, and talking with others at support group meetings, proves that those with Alzheimer’s have a life and personality after diagnosis. This is what motivates me to focus my efforts on raising funds to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s. But until we do, we must do everything we can to support and educate those impacted by this disease."

Thank you Robert, for all you do to help us move our mission forward - to one day realize a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. We greatly appreciate your work on behalf of the Greater New Jersey Chapter and the 190,000 New Jerseyans living with the disease and their 347,000 unpaid caregivers providing critical support.

Honor the women in your life by supporting this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer's. There’s still plenty of time to register a team, or donate. To sign up as a Team Captain or register to walk as an individual, go to alz.org/njwalk. To donate, text 2ENDALZ to 51555.

To learn how you can volunteer and affect the lives of people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, visit https://alz.org/get-involved-now/volunteer.