ATLANTA, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) Board of Directors announced that 56-year-old Kathleen Anduze of Pleasant Valley, New York, who suffers from Lewy body dementia, is the recipient of the newly re-named LBDA Dorothy Mangurian Volunteer of the Year Award. Anduze was recognized for outstanding volunteer contributions throughout 2015 to build Lewy body dementia (LBD) awareness, and support the non-profit LBDA, the only organization in the United States solely dedicated to improving the lives of an estimated 1.4 million LBD families. This is the LBDA's 11th year recognizing extraordinary volunteers, the only award the Association bestows.
According to LBDA CEO Michael Koehler, "despite the fact that Kathleen suffers from Lewy body dementia, she has been a tireless supporter, contributing a painting for LBDA's holiday cards, and organizing and participating in fundraisers, including a Lick-it for Lewy Ice Cream Social. Kathleen additionally made herself available to the Association for multiple media interviews throughout 2015," added Koehler.
A former registered nurse and nursing director, horseback rider and painter, Anduze, who is married with three children, was diagnosed with LBD at age 51. She suffers from this degenerative disease with no cure, experiencing increasing hallucinations, paranoia, confusion and difficulty focusing and processing, along with physical tremors, body rigidity and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
According to Kathleen's son Daniel, in an article he wrote about his mom for The Poughkeepsie Journal, "After the diagnosis, my mom was forced to leave her career and accomplishments behind; however, she did not give up. She became increasingly sympathetic towards other LBD sufferers and longed to provide aid, hope and comfort to them and their families." According to Daniel, one way she accomplishes this is through participation in an LBDA online support group https://www.lbda.org/content/virtual-groups.
"From the bottom of our hearts here at LBDA, we honor and thank Kathleen for everything she has done on behalf of all who share this terrible disease," said Koehler. "It is fitting that Kathleen be the recipient of the first Volunteer of the Year Award to be named in memory of Dorothy Mangurian, because Dorothy was also a woman stricken with LBD who fought for others," explained Koehler. "During Dorothy's 16 years with the disease she and her husband Harry gave so much to the community. In both of their memories, The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation continues to support LBDA and national academic research into Lewy body dementia," Koehler added.
To learn more about LBD and LBDA call 1-404-935-6444 or visit www.lbda.org
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160301/339270
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140310/DC79911LOGO
SOURCE Lewy Body Dementia Association
Share this article