Why I Volunteer

By Gary Metzger

The reason I volunteer is because I like to keep purposefully busy in my retirement.

When a close friend was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and I witnessed his rapid decline in both mental and physical capabilities, I knew I had found a purpose to focus my energies on. 

I did some research and learned two important things.

• First, Alzheimer’s is much more than one of its most common symptoms, memory loss.  
• Secondly, there is much more that needs to be done in the field of research to find better treatments and a cure.  

With those thoughts in mind, I found a wonderful opportunity to volunteer at the Alzheimer’s Association in Florida. I help by submitting information about upcoming Association events to local media outlets. This helps increase attendance at these events, which in turn helps spread the knowledge of topics like: what Alzheimer’s disease is, how to care for those afflicted, where to go for help and many other associated topics. 

In addition, I hope that as a greater understanding of this disease spreads, people will be encouraged to make donations to help with ongoing research efforts to find treatments and ultimately a cure.

Statistics show that the number of people afflicted with Alzheimer’s is expected to rise significantly in the next 10-20 years. I would strongly encourage those looking for meaningful ways to volunteer their time to consider the Alzheimer’s Association as an appropriate way to do so.