BAKERSFIELD,CA- More than 10,000 people in Kern County suffer from Alzheimer's Disease and on Wednesday you can help families affected by the devastating disease.
The Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County has outgrown its Olive Drive facility and is looking to expand. The association is hoping to construct a new building to accommodate the growing number of families seeking help.
"My dad can remember things from our childhood very, very easily. So we have a fun time telling family stories about growing up. Those are the things he really remembers," said Katie Allen.
Allen's father Tom Harlan, 66, has a hard time making new memories today. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease four years ago.
"But as far as daily activities and remembering things that he did yesterday, an hour ago or last week, those are very difficult for my father," said Allen.
Allen is not alone. Alzheimer's Disease is a brain disorder that affects more than five million Americans. The disease damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss and changes in other brain functions. The fatal disease has no cure.
The ADAKC helps during what can be a difficult time for families. They offer adult daycare and crisis counseling. The need has grown, making the association's current 5,200 square foot building too small.
"We're completely out of space. We're busting at the seams and we cannot bring in any new clients," said Robin McGarrah, marketing consultant with the Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County.
The center will hold its second annual Pennies for Your Thoughts Cinnamon Roll drive outside the KGET studios. Some of the proceeds will go toward building a new 13,000 square foot facility.
"The new building will triple our capacity. So, we'll be able to serve close to 150 clients with the new facility."
The cinnamon roll drive will be held at 22nd and L streets from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday. The public can enjoy an 8-pack of cinnamon rolls with a $10 minimum donation.
The new Alzheimer's facility will be located on Buena Vista Road and Campus Park Drive. The association hopes to raise $100,000 a month to break ground in September. Construction is expected to cost $3.5 million dollars.
The Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County has outgrown its Olive Drive facility and is looking to expand. The association is hoping to construct a new building to accommodate the growing number of families seeking help.
"My dad can remember things from our childhood very, very easily. So we have a fun time telling family stories about growing up. Those are the things he really remembers," said Katie Allen.
Allen's father Tom Harlan, 66, has a hard time making new memories today. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease four years ago.
"But as far as daily activities and remembering things that he did yesterday, an hour ago or last week, those are very difficult for my father," said Allen.
Allen is not alone. Alzheimer's Disease is a brain disorder that affects more than five million Americans. The disease damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss and changes in other brain functions. The fatal disease has no cure.
The ADAKC helps during what can be a difficult time for families. They offer adult daycare and crisis counseling. The need has grown, making the association's current 5,200 square foot building too small.
"We're completely out of space. We're busting at the seams and we cannot bring in any new clients," said Robin McGarrah, marketing consultant with the Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County.
The center will hold its second annual Pennies for Your Thoughts Cinnamon Roll drive outside the KGET studios. Some of the proceeds will go toward building a new 13,000 square foot facility.
"The new building will triple our capacity. So, we'll be able to serve close to 150 clients with the new facility."
The cinnamon roll drive will be held at 22nd and L streets from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday. The public can enjoy an 8-pack of cinnamon rolls with a $10 minimum donation.
The new Alzheimer's facility will be located on Buena Vista Road and Campus Park Drive. The association hopes to raise $100,000 a month to break ground in September. Construction is expected to cost $3.5 million dollars.