Caregiver Holiday event

Hope and Joy event 

this Sunday at 

Our Lady of Refuge 

Fourth District resident Rich Gardner has become the Long Beach go-to person for rallying the community to understand Alzheimer Disease.  Gardner's wife passed away from the disease at the age of 59.

Gardner has organized local support groups for those with Alzheimer and their caregivers.  However, his experience with his wife led him to want to create more positive support experiences that included resources that are available for caregivers.

This Sunday, December 10th from 2- 5 pm at the Our Lady of Refuge Social Hall, in conjunction with the Purple Angels Alzheimer's awareness organization, will be the Hope and Joy event.  

The holiday event will be part outreach and part support with "fun, music and entertainment". Support organizations Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles, Home Instead, Pathways and Meals on Wheels will be at the event to answer questions about services available.

Gardner is looking for neighbors to contribute cookies for the event.

For more information about the event or contributing cookies please contact Rich at

richgardner1960@yahoo.com