Partners in Wellness featuring Memory Keepers Foundation
09/21/2023
Banner Health Foundation gratefully acknowledges the Memory Keepers Foundation’s support of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s Steps to H.O.P.E (Health, Optimism, Purpose, Endurance) program, which provides support for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
We recently sat down with the Tammy Etherton, daughter of Clarita Swift, who was affected by Alzheimer’s, to learn what inspired Memory Keepers’ support of the Banner Health Foundation.
Describe the ways that Memory Keepers Foundation has found meaningful impact supporting Banner Health.
After my mom’s passing in February 2014, my niece, Kim Swift, and I set out to find ways to assist other families going through the same thing. In 2015, my son Colton joined us in creating what is now the Memory Keepers Foundation. Memory Keepers Foundation has a mission is to empower individual and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
How does this support reflect Memory Keepers Foundation’s culture and goals and funding priorities?
We know the pressures that caregivers face, and we strive to help alleviate the burden of caregiving. Annually, we host an event that began in my backyard and has evolved to include more than 200 participants, called A Night to Remember, which raises funds to support the cost of critical programs such as the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s Steps to H.O.P.E program. Steps to H.O.P.E arms dementia caregivers with new skills to cope with ambiguous loss or complicated feelings of grief resulting from a loved one being physically present, but psychologically absent.
Our funding also supports respite care scholarships for caregivers, giving them peace of mind that their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are safe and connected, allowing them time to catch up on other areas of life. These scholarships help offset the cost of participation in engagement activities for people living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias at Oakwood Creative Care Day clubs throughout the East Valley. It is through supporting these activities that we realize our mission in memory of my mom.
Memory Keepers Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. To learn more about us and how we support Arizona’s caregivers and our Night to Remember event on Oct. 6, please visit www.memorykeepersfoundation.org.
To learn more about the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, get in touch with a member of our team by calling 602.747.4483 or emailing foundationinfo@bannerhealth.com.