By Kisean Joseph
Overcome Struggles Always (OSA), is a local organization determined to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Spearheaded by Claudette Harris, OSA has embarked on a mission to raise awareness, provide support, and foster a sense of unity in the face of this challenging condition.
The inspiration for OSA’s Alzheimer’s Awareness initiative struck close to home for Claudette. With personal experiences of family members affected by the disease, and with her involvement in search parties for missing elderly individuals, she recognized a glaring gap in community resources and awareness.
“I keep hearing about some of our elderly losing their memory,” Claudette reflects, “But I don’t hear anything about programs or support systems for Alzheimer’s, unlike other health conditions.”
This realization sparked a fire within OSA to take action. The organization, which initially focused on fitness and workout challenges, saw an opportunity to expand its mission and address a critical need in the community. Their approach is holistic, combining physical activity with mental stimulation and community support.
At the heart of their efforts is the Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk, an event designed to bring the community together and shed light on the challenges faced by those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
But for Claudette and OSA, the walk is just the beginning. “We want this to be an annual event,” she explains. “Just like breast cancer awareness activities, we want to create a continuous dialogue and support system.”
The goals of the initiative are ambitious yet crucial. The organization aims to educate the community about early signs of Alzheimer’s, encourage proactive lifestyle changes, and create a network of support for affected families. “We want people to know what they’re dealing with,” Claudette said. “If they see a family member slipping, they’ll know what steps to take.”
Looking ahead, OSA envisions a comprehensive support system for the community. Plans include establishing support groups where caregivers can share experiences and find solace, creating a register of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s to aid in quick responses if they wander, and implementing exercise programs tailored for the elderly.
The organization’s fitness background plays a significant role in its approach. “If you’re alive, you have to move,” Claudette stated firmly. “Stagnant means dead.” OSA encourages daily activities, from morning walks to beach swims, and even brain puzzles to keep both body and mind active.
The community response has been mixed, but promising. While some families are hesitant to discuss their struggles openly, many recognize the importance of the initiative.
As the event approaches, there’s a sense of anticipation and hope. Participants will not only join the walk, but also have access to information booths, displays of brain-health supplements, and insights from naturopathic approaches to managing Alzheimer’s symptoms.
For Harris and OSA, this is just the beginning of a long-term commitment to supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s. Their vision extends beyond a single event, aiming to create lasting change in how the community understands and responds to the disease.
In the face of a condition that often leaves families feeling isolated and helpless, OSA’s initiative stands as a testament to the power of community action. As Claudette poignantly puts it, “It takes a village to raise a child, but what does it take for us to help our elderly in the community? It’s the same thing. We have to look-out for each other.”
Through education, support, and a commitment to active living, OSA is not just raising awareness about Alzheimer’s – they’re fostering a community of care, understanding, and hope for all those touched by the disease.
