KCRA 3 Meteorologist Eileen Javora and Alzheimer's Aid Society Run/Walk Article
June 24, 2009

KCRA 3 Meteorologist Eileen Javora knows first hand how Alzheimer’s disease can affect families.

“My grandmother was a wonderful lady with elegant fashion,” Eileen said, remembering her beautiful dresses and extravagant scarves. “I loved talking to her the most. When she developed Alzheimer’s disease, the hardest part was not being able to communicate with her the way I used to when I was younger."

Eileen’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s for several years before passing away. She and her family experienced the trials and challenges with this devastating disease. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease of the brain which causes memory loss, mental deterioration with disorientation, and dementia ultimately leading to death. It is the 7th leading cause of death in America, and over 5.2 million people suffer from it.

Holidays were what Eileen remembers that as being the hardest. “It was difficult because it limited the places where we could celebrate. We always had to think how we can involve her so she would feel included in our celebrations. Holidays just were not like they used to be.”

Eileen became involved with the Alzheimer’s Aid Society when she was asked to play in their charity golf tournament last fall. She worked with former KCRA 3 Anchors Dave Walker and Lois Hart, who raved about the organization and all that they do for families and patients who deal with Alzheimer’s. “My grandmother struggled with this degenerative disease, and I watched as her life diminished away. So, I want to take action by helping out those who may be affected by this disease.”

On Saturday, July 25, 2009, Eileen Javora will serve as the master of ceremonies for the 2nd Annual Alzheimer’s Aid Society 5K Walk/Run. It will take place in the East Lawn Memorial Park at 4300 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, with all proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Aid Society of Northern California. Being a part of KCRA 3, she can help get the word out about this society and anything to help make the public aware with her role.

“Alzheimer’s affects so many people,” Eileen said. “This event makes people aware of this disease and the people who are struggling from it. It is more of a down home community event.”

The Alzheimer’s Aid Society of Northern California, is a non-profit, independent organization that helps Alzheimer’s patients and families with in-home support services, legal and financial services, written resources, support groups and scholarships for students studying gerontology. The Alzheimer’s Aid Society assisted more than 3,900 families and financially contributed more than $45,000 to research, scholarships and direct services to families in the last year.

From her first experiences at the charity golf event and all the success from the last year run/walk, Eileen is looking forward to the event this year. “The importance of the walk is to share the wonderful memories you have with your loved ones,” Eileen said. “It’s a great way to connect with the community to raise funds for this organization, all in a lovely setting.”

Eileen has always had a love for the weather. Her earliest memory of loving weather was as a little girl she used to beg her mother to sit on the front porch and watch the lightening storms. Every morning, she gives Sacramento area viewers the KCRA 3 Weather Plus Forecast on KCRA 3 Reports from 4:30-7pm and KCRA 3 News from 7-9am on KQCA My58. For more information about Alzheimer’s aid and the run/walk, please contact the Alzheimer’s Aid Society of Northern California (916) 448-7001 or visit www.memory5k.com.