January 4, 2024 – Every year, a powerful message is delivered at one of Southwest Florida’s most emotionally impactful and visually inspiring events to help raise awareness for dementia-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The 2024 event will be held on January 18th at Bell Tower shops in Fort Myers when the Dubin Center welcomes family and friends who want to remember or honor an individual with Alzheimer’s disease. “A Light to Remember”, now in its 26th year, is sponsored by local philanthropist, Ellie Fox. Mrs. Fox sponsors the event each year in remembrance of her late husband, Edward Fox, for whom she took close and attentive care for 26 years after he was diagnosed at age 55 with early onset Alzheimer’s.
A special performance will be given by the Intermezzo Choir, the only known program of its kind in Southwest Florida serving individuals with dementia. Active participation allows for some much-needed camaraderie for participants and respite for care partners. After a special ceremony, as the suns sets, the luminaries will light up the Bell Tower Center Court.
Florida is home to one of the fastest-rising rates of Alzheimer’s dementia. The 2023 Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures from the Alzheimer’s Association projects that nearly 750,000 people in Florida will have Alzheimer’s dementia by 2025.
Alzheimer’s dementia is a disease that affects the brain. There is no cure. Most of the care is provided at home by unpaid family caregivers. The Dubin Center offers free evidence-based educational classes and support to help these caregivers know what to expect and be better prepared for challenges to come. “We are fortunate to have the Dubin Center here – not every city has this free resource that is dedicated to helping families navigate the challenges that dementia brings.” Said Lynne Thorp, Executive Director. “Clients often tell me that the center has been a lifesaver for them, knowing that they are not alone.” The Dubin Center is a United Way agency and has been serving Lee County for 28 years.
Luminaries may be purchased in advance for $25 by calling the Dubin Center at 239-437-3007 or online at https://dubincenter.com/a-light-to-remember
The Dubin Center is a nonprofit agency aiding families of individuals coping with dementia in Southwest Florida. Since 1995, The Dubin Center has supported caregivers and individuals living with dementia by providing support groups and training, home health care, community placement hospice, respite, and more. The staff and volunteers of the Dubin Center work to achieve caregiver health, strength, and resilience by providing education, information, hope, and compassion. For more information, visit http://www.dubincenter.com/, or call 239-437-3007.
