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 2022, we’ll be spotlighting a different volunteer from our Chapter each day. Today we are featuring…
CHELSEA BLANDING
MATTHEWS, NC
What brought you to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association?
I am a Fitness Director at Matthews Glen, Acts Retirement-Life Communities. I engage and connect with residents who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s in one way or another. I also have family members who have dealt with this awful disease. Therefore, the Alzheimer’s Association is near and dear to my heart, and I am happy to fight alongside those who have been touched by this disease.
What volunteer role(s) do you have with the Association?
I volunteer as the recruitment chair for the North Carolina The Longest Day Committee. This is my third year doing so and have enjoyed every minute.
What do you enjoy most about your volunteer role?
I enjoy the support and connections I have made volunteering with the NC The Longest Day committee. The stories I hear and events I attend have been immeasurable. People all around the world are impacted by Alzheimer’s and to know I am making a small but large impact on everyone touched by this disease feels so rewarding.
What piece of your role do you feel makes the biggest impact?
The piece of my role that I feel makes the biggest impact is the awareness it brings to the community on what the The Longest Day is and encouraging others to join in on the fight to end Alzheimer’s. I have made a lot of connections through my volunteer role and I am thankful for each one. My role also gets me out of my comfort zone and challenges me in new ways.
If someone were considering volunteering with the Association, what would you say to them?
I would say to do it. A world without Alzheimer’s is a dream, and the more people supporting the Association, helps move the dream a little closer. We do great work through this amazing Association and I promise you will feel like your work is worth it.
THANK YOU, CHELSEA.
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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