Our Mission

My story with Alzheimer's began with my mother's diagnosis in 2015. The experience that followed is one that I still struggle to find words for. Losing a loved one before they are truly gone is a spiritual, emotional, and physical hardship unlike any I have ever known. In the wake of my mother's death, I have become aware of the large, and steadily growing community of Alzheimer's victims and caregivers in Northern Michigan. Having experienced the struggle first hand I decided to create a non-profit to assure that the affected members of our community are supported and validated in their fight. Accelerate The Care has only left the starting line in our potential to aid Northern Michigan. We hope you will join us on our journey.

As a retired Navy nurse and more recently a Nurse Case Manager for a local hospice provider, I’ve cared for many people and their families whose lives have been affected by Alzheimer’s. I’ve witnessed the daily struggles of family members navigating their new role as primary care givers and have worked with caregivers at the majority of the local assisted living and skilled care facilities. I’m so grateful to be a part of the Accelerate The Care team. It is such a positive force in our community, both in its unwavering support for caregivers of people suffering with Alzheimer’s and in raising awareness about this devastating disease.

My Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in the spring of 2021. I didn’t know what it meant, I didn’t know what to expect, and I didn’t know what to do. My daughter was working part-time at an assisted living residence and recommended I review some material from Teepa Snow on YouTube. I was able to share what I learned with my siblings and my mom. A year later, I stumbled upon a car cruise event on Facebook. The cruise caught my attention (it was exceptional!), but what I learned about the sponsoring organization, Accelerate the Care, has had a much more meaningful impact in my life. I didn’t hesitate to introduce myself to Becky Hutchinson during the event and express my interest in being involved. I have described ATC to my friends and family as an organization led by the heart. We have been touched by the disease in personal ways, and the desire of our hearts is to help others also being touched by the disease. ATC is doing this through facilitation of education; finding pathways to help our local communities to better understand how to care for and interact with those around us suffering from this disease. I am honored to be a part of Accelerate the Care to support such a meaningful Mission.

Dana Cowell is a Leelanau County native. She enjoys everything outdoors and especially fly fishing for which she is a licensed guide. Alzheimer’s / dementia severely affected her mother who passed away in 2015. While caring for her mother Dana experienced firsthand Alzheimer’s long goodbye and its cruelty and impact on her family. She has watched and supported as other elders in our community have lost ground in body and mind and eventually the battle to this pernicious disease. Dana is firmly committed to the Accelerate Mission because it builds awareness and that will accelerate a cure.

Giorgio and Monica Lo Greco are the proud owners of Pepenero in Traverse City, Michigan. Giorgio’s mother passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2019 while Giorgio was away from home. Being away was a struggle and he recalls the first time he went home and his mother wasn’t waiting for him as usual. He cannot describe the pain of that moment as It was the first time his own mother didn’t recognize him. Accelerate the Care is the way he is able to honor her memory and to get involved and support the local community in the midst of the impacts of this cruel disease.

Alzheimer's is a cruel disease, one in which you often feel your family members and friends are taken from you twice. So, when I was asked to assist with raising awareness and funds , I jumped at the opportunity to work with the Alzheimer's Association. That is where I met Becky three year ago. When she talked about her vision, I knew immediately this was something I wanted to be involved with. I love that Accelerate The Care raises funds to help out our local community, while at the same time raising awareness and providing a wonderful event for camaraderie and fun!

Choosing to be a caregiver to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia is a labor of love. It is a gift of both empathy and compassion. My mother who has recently turned 93 and still lives alone, has been suffering from memory loss over the last year and although her long term memory is still intact her short term memory is very volatile. It is a hard thing to see this happen to her and it makes her very anxious and afraid. My sister and I do not live near her so we depend on others to support her in this very challenging journey and we could not do it without their support. Thank you for supporting this very important cause. Together we can provide help to the caregivers that are so important to the well being of those suffering from this debilitating disease.

I have witnessed too often the devastating impact of Altzheimers and dementia on the lives of family and friends. Through my friendship with Becky, hearing her story and the stories of caregivers helped by Accelerate The Care, and participating in the annual ATC awareness drive, I was motivated to agree to serve on the ATC Board.

I am hopeful that my 35+ years of corporate executive experience and over 21 years of non-profit board governance and leadership experience can help ATC to achieve its mission and fulfill its vision of caring for those who care for those affected by Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.

The effects of Alzheimer's are profound and devastating for families. Family members often experience the loss of their loved ones twice: first, as the disease progresses and their loved one's memories fade, and again when they ultimately pass away due to the impact of this illness. As a retired educator, I found great fulfillment in my connections with my students' families, which often extended to their grandparents. I truly miss this aspect of teaching. When Becky approached me about helping to raise funds to support families affected by Alzheimer's, specifically through training and education for caregivers, I felt it was a deeply rewarding opportunity I could not pass up. I am proud to support our Northern Michigan community alongside such a dedicated board of volunteers.

My journey began with my husband’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s when he was 56 years old. I remember searching not only for information about the disease, treatment, and its progression but also for ways to support my husband and provide the care he needed to feel safe, secure, and loved. For me, knowledge is power. The more I knew and understood, the better I became at adapting to the changes in our lives. Accelerate the Care’s focus on supporting those who have been diagnosed with dementia and those who care for them resonates with me. Our workshops provide insight into the disease itself, what one experiences as the disease progresses, and skill training for those who care for someone with dementia. I am excited to be part of an organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of all who are affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.