Senior Star

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

By Erica Rascón on Feb 1, 2018 in People

Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. It is the only cause of death within the top 10 list that currently cannot be prevented, cured or slowed. Many Americans are working to change that.

Yardi client Senior Star of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has joined in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Senior Star operates 14 communities with a total of 2,200 apartments in six states. A small but mighty force in the senior housing industry, the company is making its mark on Alzheimer’s research and awareness. 

When Yardi reported on Senior Star in 2014, the company raised $255,000 through The Walk to End Alzheimer’s®. In 2017, the company successfully raised $600,000. In the last five years, the organization has exceeded $2.3 million in funds raised. Associates from throughout the organization raised funds and put in the miles to make it happen.

Tyler Hanes, Project Director at Senior Star, is one such associate. He has participated in the walk for six years. His work with memory support communities encouraged his participation in the walks.

In 2010, Senior Star acquired its first memory support community. Hanes frequently visited with the residents and their families. The experience had a profound impact on his understanding of the disease.

“I had always been aware of Alzheimer’s, but I never fully understood the magnitude of the disease until I was touched that year by so many of our remarkable residents struggling with Alzheimer’s. I was initially encourage by Robert (Bob) Thomas, one of the Senior Star founders, to join the Walk To End Alzheimer’s and I’m certainly grateful for his words of wisdom,” says Hanes.

Hanes received support from as far away as Toronto.

“It’s always inspiring to know the people we work alongside, no matter their geographical location, share the same passion for the Alzheimer’s cause and advocate for those touched by the disease,” says Hanes.

He continues, “Without the generous support of my family, friends, and fellow work associates within the senior housing industry, my personal Alzheimer’s fundraising campaign would not be possible.  Lynn Topp, as well as many other Yardi associates in Toronto, has contributed to the Alzheimer’s fight via my personal Walk event campaign for six years.”

The support of loved ones and friends keeps Hanes motivated through the tough times, none of which have been physical.

“The most difficult experiences during Walk events are always emotionally driven.  Shaking hands with those currently battling Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, listening to their stories as you walk beside them, is extremely moving and at times heartbreaking,” recalls Hanes.

Hanes and his peers at Senior Star represent the dedication felt by millions of Americans that support the Walk the End Alzheimer’s. Every year, more than 600 communities unite to fund life-changing research and aid for those affected by the disease.

More than 5 million Americans battle the disease each year. One in three seniors, two-thirds of which are women, will succumb to Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The work of the Alzheimer’s Association provides care and support for those in need, as well as research that targets prevention and a cure.

“The Walk To End Alzheimer’s provides a beacon of hope to those individuals and families coping with the terrible disease,” Hanes says. “Seeing all the young kids at the Walk having fun and learning about the Alzheimer’s cause is also extremely uplifting, as it means the Alzehimer’s advocacy torch will continue to shine light on the disease’s ultimate need, a cure.”

To join Senior Star and Yardi in the quest to end Alzheimer’s, support the Alzheimer’s Association or find a Walk to End Alzheimer’s near you.