Via Cognitive Health is more than the place Omayra Basco’s mother looks forward to going to every day to participate in activities and foster friendships.
It’s given Basco a community of people who understand the needs of someone with Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as the needs of their caregivers. On Tuesday, Basco’s community came together for the inaugural holiday candlelight ceremony – Lights for Memories.
“It’s indescribable; the meaning behind it is so wonderful,” said Basco, whose family was one of five to light special candles and read about its meaning.
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The candles represented love, memories, grief, courage and hope.
“It’s wonderful having this type of community,” she said.
Once the five main candles were lit, the candlelight glow spread to the others gathered while “Silent Night” played over the sound system.
More than 100 people attended the outdoor ceremony that concluded with refreshments inside the new center.
Jennifer Pennington, Via’s director, said the turnout was great for the chilly night.
“We decided to do this because we feel that people are going through this disease by themselves and especially at Christmas time, we wanted them to know how many people are living with this right here in the CSRA,” she said.
She said she hopes this will become an annual event and will grow each year.
Via Cognitive Health, formerly known as the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care, opened its new facility on Lutheran Drive off Washington Road earlier this year. The center offers a variety of activities to help with cognitive function and try to slow the disease’s process.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
