Volunteer of 40 years receives lifetime award from state Alzheimer’s association

DES MOINES — The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter has awarded Gary Wicklund of Coralville with the annual namesake Gary Wicklund Lifetime of Service Award for his 40-plus years of volunteering for the fight to end Alzheimer’s.

Wicklund has been an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer since 1977 when his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s before passing in 1987. He started as an office volunteer and has since been a key spokesperson and advocate and helped start the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Iowa City and Vail, Colo. Wicklund also has been on the Association’s Iowa Chapter Board of Directors for the last 20 years.

The association also recognized other key volunteers for their efforts during Volunteer Week this week, including two from Cedar Rapids.

Teri Skoog was Volunteer of the Year — Programs, which recognizes a volunteer who has helped reach Iowans affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia by facilitating a local support group and/or providing community education programs.

Richard Bice was Volunteer of the Year — Advocacy, which recognizes an Alzheimer’s Impact Movement advocate who has participated in state and/or federal legislative action to help pass legislation and increase research funding to improve the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Visit alz.org/iowa/volunteer for more information on getting involved.