For their commitment to advocate for and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter recognized the 2017 Women’s Champions at an awards breakfast held May 18 in West Hartford.
Among the women who were inducted into the Class of 2017 were three employees of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services: Heather Hitchcock, community outreach manager, of Plainville; Denise Lebrocquy, retirement counselor, Jerome Home, of Southington; and Patty O’Brian, dementia specialist, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, of Cromwell.
“Women’s Champions are empowered to use their unique experience, passion and influence to advance the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association through advocacy, education, outreach and philanthropy,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association Women’s Champions Mission Statement. To qualify for the award, Women’s Champions are asked to choose from three of five pillars from the Alzheimer’s Association’s strategic plan and complete a minimum of three activities per year.
Hitchcock, Lebrocquy and O’Brian have worked tirelessly professionally and personally for the cause, said Jennifer Walker, vice president of communications and advocacy, Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter.
Walker noted that not only two-thirds of people with Alzheimer’s disease are women but more than 60 percent of caregivers are female. In recognition of women’s roles in addressing the crisis, the state chapter launched the Women’s Campaign in 2015. Among those recognized that first year was Amina Weiland, resource coordinator and dementia specialist, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.
“Women are at the epicenter of this crisis and will be the driver in the solution,” Walker said.
“Patty, Denise and Heather as well as Amina have a real passion and commitment to help, educate and raise funds to fight this disease. They are inspiring,” stated Wendy Martinson, program director, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. “These women are tremendous assets to not only the Alzheimer’s Association but our Hartford HealthCare Senior Services team.”
Hartford HealthCare Senior Services is a not for profit Hartford HealthCare Partner. For more information about Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, visit hhcseniorservices.org.
