Vermont Business Magazine Tammy Johnson has been described as fearless, passionate and driven. She’s also the daughter and granddaughter of women struck down with Alzheimer’s in their late 50’s. More than anything, Tammy Johnson wants to build awareness and, ultimately, find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Photo (L to R) Rob Backlund, Jim Fogler, Dave Fisher, Tammy Johnson 2018 Reason to Hope Honoree, Becky Cassidy, Michael Seaver, Martha Richardson, Kevin Gallagher.
On Tuesday, May 22, over 300 business leaders, supporters and volunteers were on hand to celebrate Tammy Johnson as she received the Alzheimer’s Association Community Leadership & Activist Award at the 9th Annual Reason to Hope Dinner. So far the event has raised over $122,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research with more donations arriving daily in honor of Tammy.
“The Community Leadership & Activist Award is presented annually to a community leader in recognition of their civic and humanitarian efforts,” stated Martha Richardson, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter. “It is given to individuals who have had a distinguished professional career, who are involved in and committed to community affairs, who are leaders among peers and who lead by example. Most importantly, it is given to those who strive to improve the quality of life today and create a better worldtomorrow.”
The Reason to Hope Dinner was led by Co-Chairs Becky Seaver and Michael Seaver with support from Ernie Pomerleau as Honorary Chair. Jim Fogler, President and Publisher of FreePressMedia feted Tammy Johnson with the following remarks:
“About 8 years … I met a “Super-Achiever” and by MY definition a Super-Achiever is someone who achieves more than MOST. They know the fire within, they are not afraid to unleash the fighter inside themselves, they actually use it as their strength to win…and this super-achiever is Tammy Johnson.” Fogler continued “As a leader, inside and outside of the office Tammy has surrounded herself with other super-achievers, and those people in this room in particular know who they are!”
During her tenure as the Director of Advertising at the Burlington Free Press, and in association with the Alzheimer’s Association, Tammy Johnson helped raise concern and awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia in Vermont. She worked tirelessly to share stories of people living with the disease and their caregivers as well as provide updates from local medical professionals and researchers.
“Tammy Johnson is many things, but first and foremost, she is a leader and a giver in our community” stated Martha Richardson, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter. “Tammy is the kind of person that finds her strength when faced with what feels like an insurmountable challenge. Her family’s personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease galvanized her to use her voice to raise awareness about dementia and fight for a cure.”
The Reason to Hope Dinner was made possible through the generous support of FoodScience Corporation and the Antonio and Rita Pomerleau Foundation. Proceeds from the event fund crucial programs and services to help Vermonters living with dementia, and to invest in cutting-edge research worldwide. For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association or to make a donation in honor of Tammy Johnson, visitalz.org/vermontor contact Martha Richardson at 802.316.3839. The Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter is located at 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston, VT 05495.
About Alzheimer’s Disease
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including an estimated 13,000 Vermont residents. As baby boomers age the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s will rapidly escalate. In total, 16.1 million Americans provided 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care in 2017 to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including 30,000 Vermonters who provided an estimated 34 million total hours of unpaid care.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visitwww.alz.orgor call 800.272.3900.
Williston, VT –May 24, 2018– Alzheimer’s Association