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 2024, we’ll be spotlighting a different volunteer from our Chapter each day. Today we are featuring…
NICOLE BALTAZAR
BROWNS SUMMIT, NC
What brought you to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association?
My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019, and it has become my mission to help other caregivers and individuals affected get the access and information needed to best deal with the diagnosis. Admittedly, it was harder in more ways than we expected.
What volunteer role(s) do you have with the Association?
I am a member of the Hispanic/Latino Engagement Committee for the Alzheimer’s Association in North Carolina.
Approximately 13% of Hispanics who are 65 or older have Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Underrepresented and underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia, and yet are less likely to be diagnosed; less likely to be recruited to participate in research; and less likely to have access to care and support services. In North Carolina, the Hispanic and Latino Engagement Committee brings together staff and volunteers to build a path to better health equity. For more information on the Hispanic/Latino Engagement Committee, email, mdbuchanan@alz.org.
What do you enjoy most about your volunteer role?
The ability to spread knowledge and help others prepare for what is to come in their lives. Additionally the resources available so they do not have to do it alone.
View our resources in Spanish.
What piece of your role do you feel makes the biggest impact?
Compassion and understanding. No one can prepare you for when your loved one forgets you and all the memories you share. Together we can support each other.
If someone were considering volunteering with the Association, what would you say to them?
The doors are open! IT is the most rewarding thing I am a part of. Being able to give back to others means more than you can imagine.
THANK YOU, NICOLE
Volunteers truly help move our mission forward. Interested in becoming a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association in NC?
Visit alz.org/volunteer or call 800-272-3900.
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