“Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten” is a saying first coined by American actor David Ogden Stiers, aka Major Charles Winchester of the popular 1970s-80s TV series M*A*S*H, but is a motto that Andrea Moore, life enrichment director for Trinity Living Center (TLC) lives by both personally and professionally.
Based in Salisbury, North Carolina, TLC is a community-based adult day service designed to meet the needs of cognitively impaired adults. Andrea has personal experience with the disease in that both her grandfather and her dad’s sister lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Her 14-year tenure at TLC has only deepened her connection to the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association as she helps their participants, and their families navigate the disease.
“On a daily basis, I see and hear the struggles and heartbreak experienced for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, as well as their care partners and caregivers. I see the disappointment they face when their loved one no longer recognizes them and it is heartbreaking,” shares Andrea. In a 2023 interview with WBTV News, Andrea joined one the family of one of her residents, and spoke about the importance of supporting caregivers.
While it is sad to witness families challenged by their loved ones’ journey with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, it also serves as motivation for Andrea and TLC’s active participation in the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Rowan-Cabarrus taking place on September 21. “Being part of the Walk is a really big deal to all of us here,” she adds. Andrea loves the energetic atmosphere that is cultivated on Walk day and the sea of folks gathered together and wearing purple. Andrea believes the Walk provides a perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate in a happy way. She noted that TLC lost several of its participants last year prior to the Walk; however, their respective families showed up in droves to commemorate their loved ones’ memory and legacy, which she believes is a great thing! “I would suggest anyone who is thinking about participating in a Walk and/or who has a loved one who is living with the disease to join or form a team,” asserts Andrea. “Not only is it a synergistic event, but the Walk also provides opportunities to learn more about the resources that are available through the Alzheimer’s Association.”
Whether it is the Association’s care and support programs, research or advocacy, each of these initiatives is fueled by the funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer’s and their respective Walk teams’ fundraising activities. In addition to being a long-time Walk team, TLC also became a Walk sponsor for the first time this year.
She shares that understanding that Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is no longer just being accepted. The research that is being done to find treatments and ultimately a cure is comforting to families. “They learn that the disease can depend on family history, and it does not have prejudice. Knowing there are steps that can be taken to give more time to families who face the struggles of living with Alzheimer’s does yield an aspirational spark,” added Andrea.
“We want to continue to support the Alzheimer’s Association and this event in bigger and better ways,” said Andrea. “We are excited to be a sponsor of Walk to End Alzheimer’s and our Walk team is always brainstorming new ideas for raising funds. We will be holding a spaghetti dinner as our primary fundraiser this year. We have organized bake sales and team t-shirts in previous years.”
In addition, TLC day resident David Haykes will also be singing the National Anthem and resident Hazel Stirewalt will be throwing out the first pitch for the ‘Purple Night Out’ event with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers scheduled for Friday, August 16 vs. Charleston Salty Dogs. The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers are a local minor league baseball team in the area and are donating a portion of the game’s ticket sales to the Rowan-Cabarrus Walk.
It will be inspiring to all and very memorable for David and Hazel to be able to participate in this game in such a special way,” said Andrea. “We love our day residents and their families and creating events and moments like this in support of the Alzheimer’s Association is pretty amazing!”
Just like family, the Alzheimer’s Association will continue its commitment to think boldly and deliver a future in which no one is left behind.
LIKE ANDREA & TLC, WE ALL HAVE A REASON TO FIGHT FOR A WORLD WITHOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. Join your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s today as an individual, team, or sponsor.
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts 17 walks across North Carolina. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association® mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
| Alamance County | 9/28/2024 |
| Asheville | 10/5/2024 |
| Charlotte | 10/19/2024 |
| Fayetteville | 10/26/2024 |
| Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln | 10/5/2024 |
| Guilford County | 10/5/2024 |
| Henderson County | 9/21/2024 |
| Iredell Co. & Lake Norman | 9/21/2024 |
| Jacksonville | 9/28/2024 |
| Moore County | 9/14/2024 |
| Mount Airy | 9/14/2024 |
| New Bern | 10/19/2024 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus | 9/21/2024 |
| Unifour | 10/26/2024 |
| Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) | 10/5/2024 |
| Wilmington | 11/2/2024 |
| Winston-Salem | 11/2/2024 |
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 