PHILIPSBURG:--- In a powerful display of dedication to raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease, the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF), in collaboration with the Henry Ostiana Foundation and the Ministry of VSA, organized a series of impactful events throughout September 2024. These activities, held in observance of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, aimed to increase understanding of the disease and its effects on individuals, families, and caregivers in Sint Maarten.
One of the key elements of this year’s campaign was a series of informative radio interviews held at PJD2 with Wendell Moore. Each week, a different guest was invited to share their expertise. The lineup included WYCCF Psychologist Zuleima Violenus, who spoke about the early signs of Alzheimer's and dementia, followed by informal caregiver Andrea Paul-Gibson and Alzheimer’s Support Group Coordinator Bart van der Meijden, who offered insights on caring for loved ones with the disease. In the third week, WYCCF Social Worker Minerva Maccow highlighted the importance of community involvement in supporting those affected. The fourth interview featured two specialists from Curaçao who provided a unique perspective on the relationship between dementia and music. The cycle of radio interviews ended with the interview of Mireya Ostiana-Wijman and Mrs. Gerda van Tongerloo, who is visiting from Holland. Gerda highlighted the facts of living well with Alzheimer's/Dementia, as she has been doing for the past five years. She explained how important it is to focus on what she still can do and to remain active.
In addition to the radio interviews, Alzheimer’s awareness was promoted via social media outlets, ensuring the message reached as many people as possible. The highlight of the month was the workshop “Dementia & Music,” led by the two Curaçao specialists—Marjon Roos, a music therapist and director of the Music Therapy Center Curaçao, and Jet Thoonen, an expert in dementia care and director of Cliniclowns Curaçao. The workshop was designed to train WYCCF staff and informal caregivers on how to incorporate personalized music into the lives of persons with dementia to improve their quality of life.
The training program for care staff was comprehensive, consisting of four interactive sessions focused on the role of music in daily care. Staff from different departments, including activity coordinators and caregivers, participated in these sessions. The training emphasized the use of personalized music to strengthen oral motor skills, enhance emotional well-being, and build a stronger connection between caregivers, clients, and their families. Two additional workshops were also held specifically for informal caregivers, aimed at relieving some of the challenges they face and improving their relationships with their loved ones through music.
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month culminated on September 28th with a special evening event at the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation. Held in the big dining room of the Sint Martin’s Home, the event welcomed several dignitaries, including the Governor of Sint Maarten and Minister of VSA, who were greeted with a warm reception. The evening’s program included presentations by Curaçao’s dementia and music specialists, a video by the Ministry of VSA/DCOMM, and a moving speech by Mrs. Mireya Ostiana, Chair of the Henry Ostiana Foundation.
The evening concluded with a Q&A session, followed by the presentation of the book Hoe Leef Ik Met Dementie (How to live with Dementia) to key figures, including Mrs. Joy Arnell, Secretary General of VSA.
The month’s activities were not only a celebration of the strides made in Alzheimer’s awareness but also a reminder of the importance of continued education, community support, and personalized care for those living with dementia. WYCCF and its partners extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, including the specialists from Curaçao, the organizers, and all who contributed to this meaningful campaign. Together, we continue to create a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals living with dementia in Sint Maarten.
