Martin Schreiber
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Former Wisconsin Governor, Martin J. Schreiber will receive the 2016 Alzheimer’s Association Special Service Award at the 30th Annual Wisconsin Network Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, May 1-3, 2016, in Wisconsin Dells. The award recognizes individuals who have made unique contributions in the field of Alzheimer’s disease care and treatment.
Marty Schreiber is a passionate advocate for improving the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia by improving the caregivers’ situation. His wife, Elaine, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2007. Four years later the couple connected with the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin to receive education and support. Elaine decided to go public with her diagnosis and share her story to bring greater awareness of the disease to others. Marty was right by her side, encouraging her decision to step into the spotlight and supporting her all the way.
Governor Schreiber has made the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission his new life’s calling. Over the past several years, he has committed significant resources, both financial and personal, to help deliver caregiver support initiatives at a faster pace than the chapter could achieve on its own. Through sheer determination to improve the lives of those with dementia, Marty has launched Operation Stronger Together, an initiative to reach those in business, government and health care to identify caregivers in the workplace throughout Southeast Wisconsin. Over the last year there has been a dramatic increase in care consultations (69% in one year) and the Direct Connect referral program (237% increase.) Direct Connect enables families to receive assistance as soon as possible after a diagnosis is made.
Marty was also credited by Governor Scott Walker and Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Kitty Rhoades for “planting the seed” that led to DHS developing the online Dementia Friendly Employers toolkit. The toolkit has become an important statewide resource for HR and EAP professionals.
He has also opened himself up to sharing his story as a caregiver to the news media and speaks to various audiences around Wisconsin to connect more caregivers to assistance. Over and over Marty has said, “I’m lucky. I am fortunate I have the ability to take care of my Elaine – not all caregivers are so lucky. When I see the exhaustion and despair in the eyes of other caregivers, it breaks my heart, and fuels the urgency that we must reach them and let them know they too can cope, learn and survive the heroics of caregiving.”
Award winners are selected based on their outstanding contributions as caregivers to those with Alzheimer’s disease in Wisconsin. Other winners include:
Professional Award: Cori Marsh (Janesville)
Professional Award: Lizzie Gernon (Sun Prairie)
Organization Award: Bridges Library System (Waukesha)
Family Caregiver Award: Nan Jagemann (Manitowoc)
Physician Award: Diane S. Book, M.D. (Milwaukee)
Courage Award: Michael Endsley (Sheboygan Falls)
Advocacy Award: Representative Mike Rohrkaste (Neenah)
Advocacy Award: Representative Dianne Hesselbein (Middleton)
The Outstanding Caregiver Awards are coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Network as part of their annual statewide conference held each May. The state conference highlights innovative approaches to Alzheimer’s care, examines critical research initiatives and facilitates the sharing of ideas among dedicated professionals and family members. The 2016 State Conference will be held May 1-3 at the Kalahari Resort Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells.
More Information is available at www.alzwi.org or through the conference planning office at 608-446-4206.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.