'Rock Your Memory' benefit in honor of senior's grandmother
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Miller

According to the Alzheimer's Association Web site, an estimated 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.

This statistic hit close to home for Williamsville North High School senior Kelly Miller. Her grandmother, Sue Smith, was diagnosed with the disease six years ago, which Miller recently found to be an inspiration for her Senior Inquiry Project.

She has devoted countless hours in preparation for "Rock Your Memory," a benefit to be held in honor of Smith. The event is slated for 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at Club Infinity, 8166 Main St.

"She (Smith) was an amazing, vivacious woman who loved to have fun," Miller said. "Now she's confused."

The 17-year-old recalled her latest visit with her grandmother, who now lives in a nursing home in Arizona. Miller said it was hard to see someone she looked up to acting like a toddler.

"When we left, they had to distract her with a cookie so she wouldn't be upset," Miller remembered.

The senior said the inquiry project can be based on anything, so she suggested hosting a benefit to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association.

Her teacher loved the idea, so Miller pursued it.

Since mid-December, Miller has contacted the association, found a venue, printed tickets, hired three bands and sought donations.

The entertainment will consist of two classic rock bands - Mist and Rock Bottom - as well as a contemporary country group - Whiskey River.

During the event, Miller will also present some facts about the hereditary disease that makes people forget their memories. A slide show will feature the honoree of the night - her grandmother.

Approximately one in 10 individuals 65 years or older is affected by the disease, although nearly half of those are over the age of 85, the Alzheimer's Association Web site stated.

Miller set a goal to raise $5,000 for the foundation, which researches the disease.

The average cost for nursing home care is $42,000 per year but can exceed $70,000, according to the Web site.

The association is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's.

e-mail: JSchmelzer@beenews.com