Devastated about the recent passing of her father, Lisa Nieder, administrative assistant to the Activities Director, feels a deep connection with Alzheimer’s as it was the disease that caused her father’s sickness.
Nieder is in charge of running a nonprofit campaign called Casual for a Cause at MHS dedicated to helping those with Alzheimer’s through the Alzheimer’s Association.
“The staff have the opportunity to donate $5 to dress down for one day or spend $15 or more to dress down for the whole week, “ Nieder said.
Nieder said she appreciates the Alzheimer’s Association because the funds donated go toward research and drugs that help those who are suffering from the disease.
The organization also helps the family and caregivers of those who have Alzheimer’s.
“It’s not just about the person who’s sick,” Nieder said. “It’s about everyone around who is affected and this organization recognizes that.”
Teachers were made aware of this opportunity through the weekly Monday Notes newsletter to faculty and staff from Principal Dr. Tracey Waeckerle.
The Rockwood School District offers this collaboration to all the schools in the district but MHS has been the only school participating continuously since 2019.
Nieder said that over the past years MHS usually comes out with the top donations.
There will be an Alzheimer’s walk held on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Chesterfield Amphitheater with different teams including others in the district. Nieder said she will be close donations on Friday, Oct. 24.
“There have been 52 donations and it has been open since Monday and will be closing Friday, I hope many more will choose to donate,” Nieder said.
Nieder said everyone who donates gets a wrist band no matter what amount they choose to donate.
Scott Szevery, social studies teacher, heard about Casual for a Cause through the program at MHS.
Szevery’s motivation to donate money is his mother as she suffers from dementia and it runs in his family.
“It’s such a cruel condition for someone to have to live with because you can see them suffering and they don’t even know how much they feel like they are suffering because they are just so out of touch with reality,” Szevrey said
Szevery donated $50 this year and wears his purple bracelet in support of this organization.
He hopes for the future are that those who are working for this organization eventually find some way to hold off or control the disease.
“And because there is a genetic component to it, I worry about myself, you know,” Szevery said
Sarah Zenthoefer, FACS teacher, said she loves to dress casually and that she also loves promoting Alzheimer’s research.
“My dad’s mom had Alzheimer’s and she passed away probably 20 years ago,” Zenthoefer said
Zenthoefer does not donate to any organizations on a regular basis but when she sees an opportunity to for a cause she feels she should donate to, she will.
“I guess I think there is a chance I might have it one day so the more research they can do now, hopefully, the better it will be for me,” Zenthoefer said.
