Villisca Good Samaritan raising awareness for Alzheimer’s

The Villisca Good Samaritan Society at 202 Central Ave. is hosting a special Alzheimer’s Awareness event on Friday, May 26, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Melinda Shackelford, clinical care coordinator for the Villisca Good Samaritan Society, is coordinating the event. Shackelford said they chose to hold the event in May to allow for a special musical performance from singer Sarah Davison.
“Sarah Davison is from Nashville, Tenn. She’s in the High Road Band, which is a gospel group. Sarah said she was going to be in the area over Memorial Day weekend, so we’re holding it Friday,” Shackelford said.
Shackelford added, food will be provided by AseraCare Hospice, St. Croix Hospice, and Care Initiative Hospice.
“They’re having a cookout with hamburgers, hot dogs, side salads, and cookies. There will be a lot of food, and a lot of people are contributing to that meal. The grilling will be done by the Mills-Montgomery Cattlemen,” commented Shackelford. “In 2021, I coordinated the first Alzheimer’s Awareness Event when I worked at Arlington Place in Red Oak. It’s just a great way to bring people together for a common cause. Sarah Davison performed at that event as well.”
Shackelford felt it was very important to highlight the issue of Alzheimer’s and to get the word out.
“We’re not getting any younger, and it’s very prevalent. There still aren’t a lot of answers to how to cure it or to even treat it. This event will help raise money to give towards research to find the answer. My grandmother had it, so I felt the effects personally,” commented Shackelford. “While everyone has a chance to get it, sometimes you feel you have an increased chance. I’ve also taken care of several people who were very important to me that had dementia, which made the issue even more important to me.”
Following the May 26 event, Shackelford said she is hopeful she can host the events on an annual basis, and continue having Davison perform.
“I would love to. We’ll just see how it plays out and go from there. It won’t have a specific date, it will be based on Davison’s schedule and when she can perform,” stated Shackelford.
A free will offering will be accepted for the meal. A raffle will also be held with prizes donated by local businesses.
“Among the raffle prizes are tickets to the Henry Doorly Zoo, Top Golf, monthly memberships to the Montgomery County Family YMCA, and Lied Center passes in Clarinda. We’re getting a good variety of stuff. It’s a great opportunity to give back,” Shackelford commented.
All the funds raised will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. Shackelford said she’s looking for some extra hands to help out.
“If anyone wants to volunteer, I need volunteers to help get set up, take down, serve food, and help with the raffle. Nobody is ever turned down who wants to provide assistance,” Shackelford said.
For more information or to volunteer, call Shackelford at the Villisca Good Samaritan Society at 826-9592.

The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

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