We are endlessly grateful to our volunteers for giving their time to better the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our volunteers are truly the heart of the Alzheimer’s Association here in North Carolina.
In honor of National Volunteer Week 2020, we’ll be spotlighting a different volunteer from our Chapter each day. Today we are featuring…
Tommy Macon
Fayetteville, NC
What brought you to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association?
After my siblings gave me the unanimous thumbs up to be the primary caregiver for our mother, I quickly became aware of how devastating dementia can be. It can not only take away a person’s sense of humanity, but also has debilitating effects as well. Therefore, I wanted to learn as much as could to become the best caregiver that I could be for my mother. In addition, I wanted to know what was being done to eradicate this disease, and how I could help.
What volunteer role(s) do you have with the Association?
Initially, I worked with missions to present the standard fact and figures on Alzheimer’s, and information regarding the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern Region’s resources. Assisted and gave presentations to the local nursing facilities and was one of the platform presenters during the 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Fayetteville. Also, helping and planning for the upcoming Walk.
What do you enjoy most about your volunteer role?
Certainly, working with other volunteers is near the top, listening to the caregivers’ stories. But at the top more than anything is the positive impact one has on the dementia patients.
What piece of your role do you feel makes the biggest impact?
The combination of fundraising and helping with organizing the Walk.
If someone were considering volunteering with the Association, what would you say to them?
Stop, close your eyes and think for a moment that you can no longer remember your child’s name and perhaps not even remember your own name. And if that’s not enough, what if you can no longer articulate your needs, such as having to go to the rest room or your chest is hurting? That’s a taste of what Alzheimer’s patients go thru daily. You can help, yes you can help us eradicate this awful disease by just volunteering a few hours a week.
THANK YOU, TOMMY
Volunteers truly help move our mission forward. Interested in becoming a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association in NC?
Visit alz.org/get-involved-now/volunteer or call 800-272-3900.
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