Art For a Cause - KC Studio


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Art For a Cause
Duo Works to Connect with Alzheimer's Caregivers Deborah Shouse, Prairie Village, Kan., and Ron Zoglin, Kansas City, Mo., have connected with thousands of people around the world, raising awareness and aiding caregivers for people who have Alzheimer's. In two years, the duo has taken Shouse's book, “Love in the Land of Dementia: Finding Hope in the Caregiver's Journey,” a tribute to her mother, Frances Barnett, who lived with Alzheimer's for seven years, to the corners of the globe. “There is universality to the stories,” she says. They also offer the HERO Project. The project brings the people with Alzheimer's, family members and other caregivers together to connect and create through storytelling and scrap booking. “The project is a chance to celebrate people for who they are,” Shouse says. “It helps let people know they are not alone. You don't want to see just the devastation, but what is still good.” Zoglin says the inclusion of the HERO Project has added another dimension to their work. “While we are all waiting for a cure, there has to be a sense of hope,” he says. They have touched caregivers' lives in places like Hawaii, Costa Rica, and New Zealand. One of Zoglin's favorite performance sites was an 8th century church in Florence, Italy. “We realized people had been gathering in that space for 1,300 years. The priest who introduced us said Alzheimer's patients were the pupil in God's eye,” he says. In Barnet, England, they performed in a Victorian mansion. In Ireland, it was an old school auditorium. “It is so exhilarating to share these stories and meet these wonderful caregivers,” Zoglin says. “The sense of connection is so strong,” Shouse says. “Our hearts reach other's hearts.” Zoglin and Shouse surpassed their initial goal to raise $50,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. They raised more than $70,000 and are now chasing the $100,000 mark after a party hosted by Kansas City business owner and philanthropist Benny Lee. The local Alzheimer's chapter, with offices in Prairie Village, offers aid to about 250,000 people in 66 counties in Kansas and Missouri. Most of the community programs and services are provided free of charge. With a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, people can receive a copy of Shouse's book. Heart of America Chapter Alzheimer’s Association 3846 W. 75th St. Prairie Village, Kan. 66208 Phone 913.831.3888 www.alz.org/kansascity/ www.thecreativityconnection.com Coming shows: July 5 — Briarcliff Village's Independence Day BBQ, noon-2 p.m. Chamber music is the featured performance. July 26 — Live at Liberty: A Bluegrass Benefit for KC Kids. Chamber music's benefit for three area children’s organizations, featuring bluegrass music by Chamber music and guest appearances. Phil Witt of FOX 4 will emcee. Live at Liberty is at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre, 6 p.m. -8:30 p.m. ALL proceeds go to: Children's Mercy Hospital, Marian Hope Center and Alexandra's House. For reserved seating, call Liberty Performing Arts Theatre, 816-439-4362 or www.lpat.org. http://www.thechambersmusic.com/

Duo Works to Connect with Alzheimer's Caregivers

Deborah Shouse, Prairie Village, Kan., and Ron Zoglin, Kansas City, Mo., have connected with thousands of people around the world, raising awareness and aiding caregivers for people who have Alzheimer's.

In two years, the duo has taken Shouse's book, “Love in the Land of Dementia: Finding Hope in the Caregiver's Journey,” a tribute to her mother, Frances Barnett, who lived with Alzheimer's for seven years, to the corners of the globe. “There is universality to the stories,” she says.

They also offer the HERO Project. The project brings the people with Alzheimer's, family members and other caregivers together to connect and create through storytelling and scrap booking. “The project is a chance to celebrate people for who they are,” Shouse says. “It helps let people know they are not alone. You don't want to see just the devastation, but what is still good.”

Zoglin says the inclusion of the HERO Project has added another dimension to their work. “While we are all waiting for a cure, there has to be a sense of hope,” he says.

They have touched caregivers' lives in places like Hawaii, Costa Rica, and New Zealand. One of Zoglin's favorite performance sites was an 8th century church in Florence, Italy. “We realized people had been gathering in that space for 1,300 years. The priest who introduced us said Alzheimer's patients were the pupil in God's eye,” he says.

In Barnet, England, they performed in a Victorian mansion. In Ireland, it was an old school auditorium. “It is so exhilarating to share these stories and meet these wonderful caregivers,” Zoglin says. “The sense of connection is so strong,” Shouse says. “Our hearts reach other's hearts.” Zoglin and Shouse surpassed their initial goal to raise $50,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. They raised more than $70,000 and are now chasing the $100,000 mark after a party hosted by Kansas City business owner and philanthropist Benny Lee.

The local Alzheimer's chapter, with offices in Prairie Village, offers aid to about 250,000 people in 66 counties in Kansas and Missouri. Most of the community programs and services are provided free of charge. With a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, people can receive a copy of Shouse's book.

Heart of America Chapter Alzheimer’s Association
3846 W. 75th St.
Prairie Village, Kan. 66208
Phone 913.831.3888
www.alz.org/kansascity/

www.thecreativityconnection.com

Coming shows:

July 5 — Briarcliff Village's Independence Day BBQ, noon-2 p.m. Chamber music is the featured performance.

July 26 — Live at Liberty: A Bluegrass Benefit for KC Kids. Chamber music's benefit for three area children’s organizations, featuring bluegrass music by Chamber music and guest appearances. Phil Witt of FOX 4 will emcee. Live at Liberty is at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre, 6 p.m. -8:30 p.m. ALL proceeds go to: Children's Mercy Hospital, Marian Hope Center and Alexandra's House. For reserved seating, call Liberty Performing Arts Theatre, 816-439-4362 or www.lpat.org.

http://www.thechambersmusic.com/