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Donations are tax deductible, and are used to further the cause of the Gertrude P. Zalar Alzheimer Care  Foundation and the Zalar Center of Excellence in the ongoing fight to improve the lives of those with Alzheimer's Disease and those who care for them.

Gertrude P. Zalar Alzheimer Care Foundation

Board of Stewards

Richard W. Zalar, M.D.

Richard W. Zalar, Jr., M.D.

Stephen M. Pisut

David J. Conner

Denise Conner

James F. Markelz

 

 

 

Gentle Touch Award Program

The Gentle Touch Award Program was established to recognize Nursing Care Assistants from area Health Care Facilities who have shown exceptional skill and compassion in caring for those with Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementia-type illnesses.

Each year an award ceremony is held in conjunction with a conference at which health care professionals with extensive experience in the care and treatment of persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia provide insights and unique perspectives that underscore the overall objectives of the Gertrude P. Zalar Alzheimer Care Foundation. 

The 2007 conference, held in Joliet, Illinois featured speakers:

Raj C. Shah, M.D., Medical Director at Rush Memory Clinic in Chicago, Illinois

Ms. Melanie Adams, Office of the local Alzheimer's Association Division

Ms. Jody Kanikula, Program Director, Alden Courts, Aurora, Iillinois.

2007 Winners included:

Bertha Allen (Sunny Hill Nursing Home, Joliet, IL)

" Bertha exemplifies our "resident-centered care."

Irma Juana Almanza (Meadowbrook Manor, Bolingbrook, IL)

" Juana's most outstanding trait is her "joyful spirit."   

Suellyn Booklund (Sunny Hill Nursing Home, Joliet, IL)

 " Suellyn's kind heart and patient spirit is the cornerstone of resident care."

Mellony Bracey ( Deerbrook Care Center, Joliet, IL)   

"Her genuine compassion and dedication devoted to the care of our Alzheimer's residents was always there."

Ferry Britton (Meadowbrook Manor, Bolingbrook, IL)

" Gives her all and sees her work as ministry."  

Vivan Buckhanon (Sunny Hill Nursing Home, Joliet, IL)

  " Vivian is a very caring and compassionate person."

Earl Clark (Sunny Hill Nursing Home, Joliet, IL)

" Earl is a powerhouse of energy and light."  

Ashley Dail (The Loyalton, Joliet, IL)

"Her personality really shines through."

April Davidson (Alden Courts of Waterford, Aurora, IL) 

(Her) compassion creates a feeling of trust for the residents

Marilyn Lemmert (Ecumenical Adult Care Center, Bolingbrook, IL)

"She always gives the seniors the dignity they deserve.

L. Hope Schamberger (Ecumenical Adult Care Center, Bolingbrook, IL)

"She is thoughtful and resourceful -- a very well qualified staff member.

Keisha Spiva (Deerbrook Care Center, Joliet, IL)      

" Keisha takes the time to effectively communicate with the residents." 

Maxine Splitt (Meadowbrook Manor, Bolingbrook, IL)

 " Self-sacrificing for the people in her care."  

         
                


From Cynthia Ishmael:
"Many thanks for your monetary gift and plaque, a recognition to me and others. May God richly bless all whom have been involved and those in the Alzheimer Care Foundation."

"Wishing you a warm and beautiful Holiday Season" from The Residents and Staff of Sunny Hill Skilled Rehab Center.

From Lynette Samuel:
" Words cannot express the magnitude of my appreciation and gratitude for the expressions of care and respect you have shown towards me and my fellow care-givers, I will forever remember your kindness. May God bless you and keep you always."

From Judith Wolcott:
" Bless you for all your tireless work for those who suffer- May God keep you healthy and happy in the coming year."

From Rosemary Stokes:
"I just want you to know how honored I still feel. To be thought of enough to receive award and money from you. The money was real nice but the award is unbelievable. Thank you so much again. I'm a Certified Rehab CNA--aide from Sunnyhill Rehab Center."  
 
 

Click here for photos of the 2007 Award Ceremony

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