Sara Woodhull couldn’t get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association while she was busy helping to care for her mother who died with the disease. But after her mother died in 2015, Sara was determined to make a difference for others dealing with the disease. “I didn’t want to see other families suffer by watching their loved one die inch by inch, day by day, robbed of their dignity,” she says.
Sara has been involved with the Miami Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association since early 2016. She is now a member of the Board of Directors for the chapter, and she chairs the fundraising committee, utilizing her expertise as Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts at Wright State University. Sara is instrumental in shaping and guiding chapter efforts in donor development and fundraising. Recently, she has been working with chapter staff to implement new donor stewardship processes and tools, as well as new strategies to increase awareness and contributions.
“My favorite thing is the passion that everyone at the Association — on the Board, the staff and the volunteers — bring to the Association every day. We are a mighty and committed group to find a cure to end this disease,” she says.
“But I’m also involved because, should I develop dementia, I don’t ever want to be a burden to my husband, daughter and my grandchildren,” Sara adds. “I am an avid gardener, love to fly with my husband, be with our children, play with our granddaughter and travel. My dream is to help find a cure for this horrible disease in my lifetime.”
When asked what advice she would give to families affected by Alzheimer’s or other dementias, Sara says: “Reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance. They are an incredibly rich resource with counseling, a 24-hour hotline, and a patient safe space to learn what resources are available for each unique situation. Don’t go through this life-altering experience alone.”
If you or a loved-one need assistance, please call our 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-292-3900 or visit our website for resources.
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