Meet the “Amazing Grace” Chorus – a Milwaukee-based group of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute (WAI) that’s made up of people living with dementia and their caregivers. The chorus got its start in 2014 as a way to increase social engagement for those living with dementia, and it also is now part of a national campaign, AlzheimHER’s Chorus, to increase understanding about Alzheimer’s disproportionate impact on women (two thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s are women).
“Music is a special way to empower women and bring people together with the goal of ending Alzheimer’s for everyone,” says Stephanie Houston, Senior Outreach Specialist for the WAI-Milwaukee office on the WAI website. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our chorus.”
With the passion and soul that this group has, the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation was incredibly honored to be treated to a live performance and meet members of the chorus last month. The songs the Amazing Grace Chorus sings are rather ordinary – familiar sing-along-tunes to help those who are dealing with memory loss – but the way in which they sing them is absolutely extraordinary.
“To be able to participate and sing along with this wonderful group is a moving experience,” says Julie Whitehorse, Community Partnerships Director of the WWHF.
And other members of the WWHF in attendance agree, like Chanel Thomas, Well Badger Resource Center Information & Referral Specialist, who has a loved one living with dementia.
“It was really heart-warming to see this group of wonderful singers. Even more amazing is that the group consists of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their caregivers.”
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