Family Portrait Luncheon offers hope with Alzheimer’s

Findings from the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association Disease Facts and Figures annual report showed that more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s and dementia have also increased 17% during the COVID-19 pandemic. While deaths from heart disease have decreased by more than 7% over the last 20 years, deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased 145% since 2000. A staggering one out of every three seniors will die with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer, combined, but there is hope.

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research and driving risk reduction and early detection. They work on both local and national levels to provide maximum care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with the disease.

The Southeast Texas Regional Office of the Alzheimer’s Association will host their 10th annual Family Portrait Luncheon on Thursday, May 12, at 11:30 a.m. at the MCM Eleganté (2355 Interstate 10) in Beaumont. For more than three decades, the Alzheimer’s office in Beaumont has provided support to families who have dealt with this dreaded disease as well as conduct educational programs, which includes recent work with Beaumont Police Department, plus organize and facilitate support groups to help increases awareness and raise funds for research.

“The Family Portrait Luncheon is extra special this year since it’s the 10th annual luncheon and first one that we have held in person since 2019,” said Shanna Briggs, regional manager of the Alzheimer’s Association in Southeast Texas. “The luncheon provides an opportunity for us to bring Alzheimer’s awareness to the community while also honoring those who have been impacted by the disease.”

The luncheon will feature guest speaker Dayna Steele, a caregiver to her mother, Fran Nicholson, who battled Alzheimer’s. Patrons that attend the luncheon will also receive a free copy of Steele’s book, “Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine.”

Individual tickets, which start at $150, can be purchased online at familyportrait.givesmart.com. Sponsorships are also available.

This year’s luncheon co-chairs are Maris Mehaffy along with her daughter Haylee Faggard.

“When my beautiful mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, I remember asking the question over and over to so many people who had dealt with this before me, “Do they know who you are?” said Mehaffy. “As my journey began with my mom’s disease, there were certainly phases that brought so many hilarious outbursts that I was certain would result in her being kicked out of Pelican Bay, but we just rolled with it. As her disease progressed, I realized the art of communication when dealing with this disease involved so much more than words.”

Mehaffy said one of the quotes that resonated with her was, “They may not be able to remember who we are, but they feel us just the same.”

One of the most gratifying and tender moments she had with her mother during her last few days was when she was able to hold her hand, stroke her cheek and thank her over and over for the beautiful blessings she provided.

“I expressed my gratitude for the incredible example she provided me as a strong, brave and giving person,” said Mehaffy. “So I know the answer to the question regarding the ‘knowing who you are’ and it’s a resounding ‘yes.’ It’s just a different language and a reinvention of communication each day.”

Faggard added that the word “community” is defined by many things, but one definition that stays with her after 2021 was “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interest, and goals.

“Our hope as chairs for the 10th annual Family Portrait Luncheon is that the community will join us in person this year,” said Faggard.

The honorary chairs for the Family Portrait Luncheon are Sheila Umphrey and the late Walter Umphrey.

“It is a privilege to honor Sheila and the late Walter Umphrey,” said Briggs. “Together they have built a successful law firm, banks, ranches, car and motorcycle dealerships, nurseries, greenhouses and so much more. But more importantly they built relationships and lifelong friends in our community.

Sheila is the owner of The Decorating Depot and has served on many boards including Christus-St. Elizabeth Hospital, Lamar State College Port Arthur, Gift of Life and is also active with the Humane Society of Southeast Texas and a longtime supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Walter formed Provost Umphrey Law firm with his partner David Provost, which has been serving the community for more than 50 years. Walter had a heart of gold and led with philanthropic gifts which greatly impacted Southeast Texas. His generosity can be seen at Baylor Law School, Lamar University, Lake Sam Rayburn and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.

“The many philanthropic gifts of Sheila and Walter Umphrey will live on and benefit millions forever,” added Briggs.

The 10th Annual Family Portrait Luncheon Butterfly was created by program participants of OASIS Respite Ministry, a partner of the Alzheimer’s Association. The respite program was founded by Dorothy Anne Conn, who was an advocate for the importance of social stimulation for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease.

The funds raised at the Family Portrait Luncheon will help the effort to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset and prevent it from developing.

“As we embrace this new year with hope, we need your support as we fight for a cause that has touched our families, but also many of our friends and their families,” said Briggs. “No one is immune to its impact.

“We hope you will be able to join us in supporting the fight against Alzheimer's by underwriting, sponsoring or purchasing tickets for the 10th annual Family Portrait Luncheon. Most importantly, your impactful support will bring us one step closer to achieving the Alzheimer's Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.”

For more information, email sbbriggs@alz.org or call (409) 833-1613.

-Chad Cooper, Entertainment Editor