Alzheimer’s Association Announces 2011 Excellence in Caregiving Awards

The Alzheimer's Association East Central Iowa Chapter hosted the 17 

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Annual Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Education Conference on Thursday, August 11

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, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids.

Annually, the Excellence in Caregiving Awards honors family caregivers, organizations, and professionals who serve individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias for their outstanding achievement in caregiving.  The 2011 winners were announced during the luncheon of the conference.

The Professional Award recipient was Margaret Minton, CNA at Grandview Care Center in Hazelton, for her 21 years of dedication to serving residents and their families. Margaret has a supportive, selfless nature which is best displayed as she works with Alzheimer's patients. She encourages independence while working with patients to achieve their needs.

Lois Stull of Keystone Nursing Care Center and Tim Casey of Keystone Elementary School accepted the Organization Award. Lois and Tim started a relationship between the fifth grade class at Keystone Elementary and the residents of Keystone Nursing Care Center. They combined forces to implement activities to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's. This partnership allows the students and residents to further connect with the community.

Don Sawyer of Waterloo received the Family Care Partner Award for his dedication as a caregiver for his wife, Mary, who is currently battling Alzheimer's disease. Don's dedication to caregiving extends past the love and care he provides to Mary, he commits time to caring for other residents in the facility. Don's thirst for knowledge and enthusiasm to support all he can is inspirational.

Gary and Alice Blasen of Marian received the Special Service Award for their work in changing the face of public policy. At the age of 50, Gary was diagnosed with Frontal-Temporal Dementia. In 2009, Gary and Alice participated in national hearings to make changes to the Compassionate Allowance rules for Social Security Disability, securing a fast track for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementias. In 2011, the couple traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum. The couple met with legislators and staff members, told them their story and asked the federal government support Alzheimer's legislation. Alice and Gary's strength to take action against this disease is monumental.

For more information about the conference and the caregiver awards, please visit

www.alz.org/eci.