Candles of Care for Alzheimer's - Photos, A Day of Caring

The National Commemorative Candle of Care Lighting Ceremony for Alzheimer's, sponsored by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America was celebrated today. Shining a light on Alzheimer's, and related illnesses, from coast to coast, people everywhere shared a day of caring.





At the local Central Coast Senior's Center, San Luis Obispo, California, there were 27 candles lit, people gathered in a circle, shared prayers and memories, and Kristi Gott provided a speech with information about Alzheimer's and research. For the speech Kristi used quotations for emphasis from Eric Hall, CEO and founder of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and from Carol Bradley Bursack, author of Minding Our Elders, both of whom write blogs at OurAlzheimers.com.

After Kristi's prayer of thanks and hope for a cure, many people offered their prayers and memories also.

Nearby, a local seniors' "Expo 55" was held, sponsored by the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce, and Community Health Centers. The Central Coast Seniors had a Candle Lighting Ceremony at the beginning of the day at their exhibit and kept a Candle of Care lit all day.

At both ceremonies resources were provided where people can get information about Alzheimer's, dementia, and related diseases.


Pictured on the left is Central Coast Seniors Center manager Betty Milne at the "Expo 55+", with brochures about Alzheimer's and a Candle of Care burning brightly.

Candles of Care for Alzheimer's Today - Hopes, Prayers and Memories

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America sponsors the National Commemorative Candle Lighting that will be held today. People will be united with inspirational thoughts, hopes for a cure, prayers, and memories of loved ones whose lives have been affected by Alzheimer's.

Our local site for the ceremony is The Central Coast Seniors Center, Oceano, California. During the lighting of candles we are going to join hands and think of the Candles of Care being lit everywhere for Alzheimer's. Our thoughts, words and prayers will be with all those whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s or related illnesses, and we will join together with our hopes for a cure.

Locally we will also have a Candle of Care for Alzheimer's burning at an Expo for Seniors that is being held today, and there will be a gathering at the South County Regional Center, Arroyo Grande as well.

Writer Carol Bursack, author of Minding Our Elders, said it well in her blog at OurAlzheimers.com titled "Speak Out About Alzheimer's During November!" She says "Whether you as a caregiver have been dealing with this heartbreaking disease for one day or 20 years, I encourage you to share your story. Speak to friends, neighbors, colleagues, strangers."

Eric Hall, founder and CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America writes this week at OurAlzheimers.com and says "A lot of awareness-raising goes on during these next few weeks. The media, thankfully, jumps on the issues more. Legislators become more cognizant of the extent and enormity of Alzheimer's disease and caregiving. Those in the throes of the disease and/or caregiving gain recognition. Others become educated. Many are drawn into the cause and become dedicated advocates.


Today's blog will end with a prayer for Alzheimer's, "Dear God, we hold the memories of those whose lives have been effected by Alzheimer's close to our hearts. We thank you for the joy they brought to us, and for the progress that has been made in Alzheimer's research. We join as one to pray for a cure today."