Author Dana Walrath to Speak at Chocoalte Jubilee

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - Oct. 18, 2017 - PRLog -- The Alzheimer's Association – Greater Michigan Chapter announces author Dana Walrath will serve as keynote speaker at its 33^rd annual Chocolate Jubilee fundraiser Sat., Oct. 28 at MGM Grand Detroit (1777 Third Street, Detroit). The nonprofit serves 138,000 individuals and their families struggling with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Aimed at raising funds and awareness, the Chocolate Jubilee will begin with an exclusive Pre-Glow at 6:30 p.m. for donors of $2,500 or more, followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Guests will be welcomed by Event Chair Mary Owen and Greater Michigan Chapter President and CEO Jennifer Lepard.

One of Michigan's most beloved galas, the Chocolate Jubilee's theme this year is "Evening in Paris," which will be highlighted by Parisian décor and musical stylings by the band Nouveauté.

During her remarks, Walrath, a writer, artist and anthropologist who uses stories and art to teach students at the University of Vermont's College of Medicine, will offer inspiring words from her very personal experience with the disease.

Walrath's most recent book, Aliceheimer's: Alzheimer's Through the Looking Glass, was published last year and features a series of illustrated vignettes about her former role as a caregiver to her mother Alice, who has dementia. Alice lived with Dana for two-and-a-half years and, during that time, the two connected through stories and memories, even when Alice no longer recognized her.

Throughout the book, Walrath wove in elements from the beloved story, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, such as "Disappearing Alice," "Missing Pieces" and "Falling Slowly," to exemplify what both she and her mother faced.

The popularity of Aliceheimer's has taken Walrath, who served as a Fulbright Scholar in Armenia during the 2012-2013 academic year, to cities across North America and Eurasia where she has spoken to groups about humor's role in healing.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 248-996-1050, visit www.alz.org/gmc or contact event manager Maureen O'Reilly at moreilly@alz.org.

About the Alzheimer's Association – Greater Michigan Chapter

Founded in 1981, the Alzheimer's Association – Greater Michigan Chapter is a private, nonprofit, voluntary health organization and one of more than 80 chapters across the United States. The Greater Michigan Chapter is headquartered in Southfield, with regional offices in Alpena, Grand Rapids, Marquette, Midland and Traverse City. Covering 60 counties, its services are available to more than 138,000 individuals and their families who have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

The vision of the organization is to create a world without Alzheimer's disease while optimizing the quality of living for individuals and their families affected by dementia-related disorders. For more information, visit www.alz.org/gmc or call 248-351-0280.