Alzheimer's Disease Center
University of California, Davis

The Family Connection
Fall/Winter 1997

A very warm and special thank you to the Vallejo Sons of Italy Virgilio Lodge No. 1586 and Beatrice Portinari Loge No. 1626 who recently made a $9,000 donation to the UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Center (UCD ADC) Sacramento clinic. The generous gift will support our Alzheimer's disease research. The group's 1994 donation was split between much needed respite for families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease and research.

Nearly every member of the Vallejo Sons of Italy has been personally touched by Alzheimer's disease and is well aware of the need for continued research and the complexities of caring for someone with the disease. Sons of Italy member Janet Capello explains, "We have donated to other charities in the past but because so many of our members have been affected by Alzheimer's disease we feel we can relate to this disease."

The group presented their check last August to clinic staff and researchers at a special reception at the UCD ADC Sacramento clinic. Dr. Dan Mungas, Clinic Director thanked the group by saying, "This kind of unexpected and very generous donation provides us with support for our clients and research activities that is not available from other resources." Dr. Mungas updated the group about the important UC Davis research that is in progress throughout Northern California and the significance of the Sons of Italy gift-money.