Christy Van Der Westhuizen lost her beloved Grandma Jean to Alzheimer’s disease just two years ago, but for many years watched as this illness slowly took away her grandmother’s independence and personality.
“I decided that I could not sit by and just watch this disease continue to affect the millions that it claims in its path,” said Van Der Westhuizen, marketing director for Mission Hills Senior Living. “To honor my own grandmother’s fight against Alzheimer’s disease, in 2009, I made caring for those with this illness and other forms of dementia into my career and got involved in the Alzheimer’s Association. I knew I had to do something!”
Currently reigning as Mrs. California, Van Der Westhuizen has made the Alzheimer’s Association her charity, and her active involvement includes raising funds and awareness throughout Southern California, particularly the Coachella Valley where she lives.
Most recently, Van Der Westhuizen (center) joined Alzheimer’s Association Coachella Valley Regional Director Anne Gimbel (left) and Latino Outreach Coordinator Teresa Segovia at the Westin Mission Hills for a fund raising Spa Soiree that drew dozens of supporters out for a relaxing evening of spa treatments, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
Donations benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading voluntary health organization for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Its 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.
For information about the California Southland Chapter, visit www.alz.org/socal or call toll-free: (800) 272-3900.
The Coachella Valley Regional Service Center is located at 69730 Highway 111, Ste. 100. Call (760) 328-6767 for information about local programs and services.
