On Friday, May 13th, the Oregon chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will feature Thai Bloom gift cards at their 2016 Memories in the Making Art Auction & Gala. Funds raised will support programming that explores the use of art as an alternative form of expression for people with dementia. While Alzheimer’s disease brings constant reminders of failures and losses, Memories in the Making® provides a nonjudgmental environment in which participants can express their feelings. With a focus on process rather than product, people with dementia to experience moments of joy and a renewed sense of accomplishment and self-respect.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and individuals interested in research, the Association includes our headquarters in Chicago, a public policy office in Washington, D.C., and 80 chapters across the country. The Oregon Chapter is headquartered in Portland and has regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Medford, and Salem.

Currently, an estimated 47 million people worldwide are living with dementia. In the United States alone, more than 5 million have Alzheimer’s, and over 15 million are serving as their caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association addresses this global epidemic by providing education and support to the millions who face dementia every day, while advancing critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.