5 ways to fight Lewy body dementia

Today, the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) steps up its awareness and fundraising effort "Lewy Who?" to put the brakes on Lewy body dementia (LBD). With symptoms that resemble both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, LBD is the most misdiagnosed form of dementia. Yet, following Alzheimer's disease, it is the second most common cause of progressive dementia, affecting 1.3 million Americans. Families can fight this debilitating disease while educating others about LBD. LBDA offers five (5) ways to fight: (1) donate, (2) employer matching gifts, (3) plan a community event, (4) volunteer, or (5) partner with LBDA.

"On average," says Angela Taylor, director of programs at Lewy Body Dementia Association, "it takes more than 18 months and three doctors to receive a correct diagnosis for Lewy body dementia. So, we need to boost awareness and education, because an early diagnosis may save a life. At LBDA, we've made it easy to join the fight. We help you make a difference."

Five Ways to Fight
1.DONATE: The Lewy Body Dementia Association offers healthcare providers, individuals with LBD and caregivers a range of urgent educational information, resources and support. Give today to LBDA: a one-time gift or a recurring gift can make a big difference in the lives of people with LBD and their caregivers. To receive a packet of information or other resources about LBD and to make a donation, visit http://www.lbda.org/lewywho/. Look for the "Ways to Give" link in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

2.MATCH: You can double, or even triple, the impact of your charitable contribution if your employer offers a matching gift program. Check with your human resources staff to see if your company participates. They will provide you with a special matching gift form for you to complete and send to LBDA along with your contribution. It's that simple! To begin, visit http://www.lbda.org/lewywho/.

3.PLAN A COMMUNITY EVENT: Planning a Community Fundraising Event presents an opportunity raise funds and awareness. Fundraising events are a fun, meaningful way to raise awareness and support for the cause. In fact, many people plan fundraising events in a loved one's honor. Some even center around a favorite pastime, such as golfing or running. Be creative! To help you get started, visit http://www.lbda.org/lewywho/. Also, consider just a few examples of past events that have supported the work of the Lewy Body Dementia Association:
•Golf tournament
•Volleyball tournament
•Art gallery auction
•Pumpkin carving contest
•Bake sale
•Planning or participating in a marathon, triathlon, or walk

4.VOLUNTEER: Volunteers, the cornerstone of LBDA, are vital to raising awareness in their communities. Our team is made up of volunteers throughout the country who give their time and expertise to help support the fight against Lewy body dementia. Families and caregivers living with someone who has LBD need help. LBDA supports volunteers through orientation training, now available online. The training session teaches the basics about LBDA's programs and services. Volunteers explore how to help the community. Visit LBDA here to view a video presentation.

5.PARTNER WITH LBDA: Partners with LBDA—companies and organizations—represent our frontline. They keep the battled waged until the war is won with a relentless dedication and commitment. We greatly value our incredible partners that help extend LBDA's mission through sponsorship, marketing, and education. To support LBDA by becoming a partner company today, visit http://www.lbda.org/lewywho/.

"Volunteer leadership has been the essence of LBDA since its beginning. Volunteers have consistently taken the lead in order to build awareness of LBD and to raise funds to support LBDA programs and services," adds Davida Morgan Washington, director of development at Lewy Body Dementia Association. "Individual and organizational donations have empowered the organization to make the progresses experienced thus far, and both recurring and new donors will strengthen the continued fight to raise awareness of the importance of LBD education and research."

Source: The Lewy Body Dementia Association