Evansville family honors late mother’s memory, heritage with fundraiser during Hispanic Heritage Month
Dona Counts of Evansville is hosting a Zumba master class as a fundraising event to support the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana in honor of her mother.
Counts was a caregiver for her mother, Cony Tenorio, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease for 7 years. During those difficult years, music was a solace for them both.
Now Counts is committed to spreading awareness and supporting families affected by the disease, especially within Hispanic and Latino communities.
She’s inviting area residents to “Dancing Through Memory Lane,” a fun-filled Zumba class that she’s tailored for caregivers by incorporating stress-reducing songs and moves.
“This event will be full of energy and love,” Counts said. “Every step, every beat and every smile helps us move closer to a world without Alzheimer’s disease.”
Counts’ event corresponds with National Hispanic Heritage Month, which offers an opportunity to drive needed awareness. For example:
- Approximately 13% of Hispanics who are 65 or older have Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
- Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely than whites to have dementia and more research is needed to understand why.
- One-third of Hispanic Americans (33%) report that they have experienced discrimination when seeking health care.
“We are proud to share this inspiring story of love, strength and commitment,” said Shannon White, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana. “We encourage the Evansville community to support this effort. Bring your energy to the dance floor and experience the healing bonds of community.”
Where: BFit East
3930 N. Cullen Avenue,
Evansville, Ind., 47716
When: 11 a.m. CT, Sun., Oct. 5
What: A $20 per person donation is requested through the Do What You Love to End ALZ campaign and will further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
