2016 Nashville Walk to End Alzheimer's® Chair Has Felt Dementia's Impact

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Jul 05, 2016, 08:00 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A Brookdale Senior Living associate who has experienced firsthand dementia's impact on her family has been named the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer's^®Event Chair in Nashville. The Alzheimer's Association has appointed Brookdale director of communications Sandy LaFave to the post. Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to generate awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Brookdale, the nation's largest dementia care provider, has for the past two years raised record-breaking amounts for the Walk through activities across the country, exceeding $3 million in total. The company is based in Brentwood, Tenn.

Sandy LaFave, Brookdale's communications director, has been named the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's event chairperson for Nashville, Tenn.

LaFave lost her grandfather to Alzheimer's when she was a young adult. Before moving to Nashville in 2014, LaFave served for five years as the Walk to End Alzheimer's chairperson in the Milwaukee area, where Brookdale's corporate support center is located. The Walk there consistently placed in the top 30 nationally.

"I know the devastation this disease causes individuals and their loved ones," said LaFave. "With increasing national attention and research, we hope we can be the generation who can end this horrible disease. It's a privilege for me to again serve in this capacity for the Alzheimer's Association."

According to Melissa LaBonge, manager of development for the Alzheimer's Association, the appointment of the local chair is a vital component in the overall success of the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

"This event is much more than a walk," said LaBonge. "It calls on participants to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. Strong, passionate event leadership at the local level brings more vital participation and support for this mission."

Brookdale's efforts in the 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer events nationwide generated more than $2 million; it was the second year in a row the company raised an unprecedented figure. In 2014, Brookdale became the first corporate team to generate $1 million in a single calendar year, earning diamond National Team status for the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Nashville's Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place on October 15 at Walk of Fame Park. To start or join a team, visit alz.org/walk or contact Melissa LaBonge at 615.315.5880.

For more information about Brookdale, visit brookdale.com.

About Brookdale

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the high quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Currently Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with approximately 1,121 communities in 47 states and the ability to serve approximately 108,000 residents. Through its ancillary services programs, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.

Alzheimer's Association^®

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit alz.org^® or call 800.272.3900.

Contact: Kristin Puckett, 615-564-8666, [email protected]
Madison Vincent, 423-265-3600, [email protected]

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SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living