Aarp purpose prize fellow karen young

When Sophie returned from camp, she started reading the books with my mother and it sparked an instant connection and tremendous joy. Sophie then asked, “How about if I read at Grandma

Dorothy’s day program?” Soon after, she sat on a piano bench with 16 adults in a horseshoe around her and read _Oh, The Places You’ll Go _and_ Rolie Polie Olie._ As Sophie shared the

illustrations and modulated her voice with every character and line, the adults became immersed, even finishing many of her sentences. When we left, exuberant as she recalled the

transformation of the adults in the group, Sophie was literally _skipping_ down 85th Street.__ At that moment I envisioned millions of children flooding adult care centers around the world,

opening their hearts and minds to people with Alzheimer’s. ADVICE TO OTHERS WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Be clear and passionate about your mission. If you are, then the hard work and

challenging decisions will be easier. In my fifties I am learning that working smart is even better than working hard. Taking time off and doing things unrelated to your work is essential to

a clear head, creativity and innovation. And being with people you love and like, exploring different cultures and the arts and nature, all contribute to more nuanced understanding of the

world and people. THE STRUGGLE THAT SHAPED MY LIFE When I was 20, my brother Andrew, who was 23 and my best friend, was killed in a car accident. After struggling with the crushing grief, I

eventually developed a feeling of responsibility to live well and do my part to make the world just a bit better, because Andrew couldn’t. I have witnessed shocking mistreatment of

vulnerable and disabled people in my life. It was extremely difficult for me to come to terms with the fact that I could not fix the circumstances or shield the people, especially because my

mom taught me that I could do anything if I set my mind to it, and I believed her. What helped shape me was the knowledge that with my life and tools, I could turn their trauma and my

frustrations into a way to influence people to understand the value of the vulnerable and the importance of treating all people respectfully and empathically. WHY MY APPROACH IS UNIQUE While

there are many excellent programs for adults with Alzheimer’s to engage with the arts, Sweet Readers was the first (and I believe only) youth organization to provide training and a

structure that integrates science, the arts and human engagement. It also includes peer and community support. As we begin a longitudinal study of our impact with the Icahn School of

Medicine at Mount Sinai this fall, we are buoyed by what we have already seen. As Sweet Reader Julia commented, “Over time I stopped feeling sorry for Marvin and began to see the person

behind this terrible disease.”