Too Young to Help?

Impossible. Just recently a 9 year old young man, named Steffek, joined by his father, grandmother and younger sister, attended a Cause To Remember session here at Alzheimer’s Services. Steffek Rainey, an aspiring artist, author and illustrator of his own children’s books, pledged a portion of the proceeds from the sales of his work to our organization. His compassion combined with his effort to create funds to assist the more than 15,000 people affected by Alzheimer’s disease in our community really impressed me. 

“Out of the mouth of babes” is an old expression that comes to mind when I think of Steffek’s thoughtful effort. Even at his young age, he understands that there is a need for a place like Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, where families can receive programs, services and education  to care for their loved ones as well as a need for funding so those programs can continue to exist.

This young man has a connect to the disease, his maternal grandfather died of Alzheimer’s and now the maternal grandmother is going through the same journey. Steffek’s mother and her siblings are gathering knowledge and joining together to make decisions concerning  her care as the disease progresses―like so many others who walk through the doors of Alzheimer’s Services on a daily basis. On Steffek’s visit he was able to see and hear about all of those programs and see first-hand what “person centered care” looks like on his tour of Charlie’s Place.   

I invite all of you to attend a Cause to Remember session soon so you can see what Steffek saw when he came to Alzheimer’s Services for the first time and experience the difference we are making in the lives of those coping with Alzheimer's.

Visit Steffek Rainey’s website to view his art and books at www.Steffekrainey.com.