North Tustin Family Represents Alzheimer's Association, Orange County At Rose Parade
Chapter board member and daughter will ride "The Boomer Express" float in the 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day
IRVINE, CA, December 13, 2010
With as many as 10 million baby boomers at risk for developing Alzheimer's, the Alzheimer's Association and Pfizer are collaborating to help raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease by telling all Americans, "It's Time to Face Alzheimer's."The effort also seeks to address the stigma associated with Alzheimer's and encourage people to share their photos and tell their stories of how the disease has affected them (www.timetoFaceAlz.org). The initiative will culminate with a featured float, The Boomer Express, in the 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day.
Riding atop The Boomer Express will be Sonia Garcia-Francia and her daughter Kelly Sabrina Francia. Garcia-Francia is founder and CEO of Santa Ana, Calif.-based Guardian Angels Homes, who's mission is to provide professional and loving care combined with a comfortable home environment for those experiencing memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Currently a member of the Alzheimer's Association, Orange County Chapter board of directors, chair of the multicultural committee, and former chair of the education committee, Sonia is devoted to staying on top of the latest research and trends related to care for those affected by dementia.
"As a deeply dedicated member of our board, Sonia is known for being accessible, efficient and incredibly knowledgeable," said Alzheimer's Association, O.C. CEO Jim McAleer. "She is a formidable resource to the staff, offering a non-judgmental voice of reason, a compassionate ear and a helping hand — and all who meet her find their spirits are lifted ever so slightly. We can't wait to see Sonia and Kelly smiling and waving as they ride past on The Boomer Express!"
About Alzheimer's Association, Orange County
The Orange County Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association provides a comprehensive suite of programs and services — provided at no charge — to meet myriad and evolving needs of people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, their families, caregivers and the community. For more information, please go to http://www.alzoc.org, or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.