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Historic Springfield comminity members engage in Alzheimer’s awareness

SPRINGFIELD, Fla — On Saturday, community members in Historic Springfield engaged in a conversation to become more aware of Alzheimer’s disease.

Sherri Randolph unexpectedly became a full-time caregiver in 2004 when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“At the time she was diagnosed I had no idea what Alzheimer’s was,” said Randolph.

Her mother had the disease for 13 years and passed away in 2016.

Since then, Randolph has made it her mission to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, sharing her story and hoping to inform others about the disease.

“To let people know they are not in this fight by themselves,” said Randolph. “We must educate ourselves and can’t wait until the last minute to be diagnosed.”

Sherri along with the Alzheimer’s Chapter of Central and North Florida brought interested members of the community together for a forum on Saturday. The goal was to educate anyone willing to learn and spread awareness of the disease.

In Historic Springfield, community members asked questions inside Westside Church of Christ and learned about the resources available from the Alzheimer’s Association

Westside Church of Christ Pastor Thorton Brown said he wants to continue to support the community’s needs.

“Just want to be able to help the community, bring about information meeting their needs,” said Brown. “I believe such forums like this can help inform them.”

And for volunteers like Randolph, she wants to continue to be there for others who may be going through something like what she experienced with her mom.

“I’m hoping that they’ll know that whatever they’re dealing with when they’re dealing with their loved one or maybe even themselves, they see some changes in themselves, that there are people out there that can help,” said Randolph.

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