MEDIA CONTACT: Elaine Rainwater

561-297-1102, erainwat@fau.edu

FAU's Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center Offers Sanctuary for Many in Community

BOCA RATON, FL (June 26, 2006) - Carefully applying paint to the plain white canvas, Frances Goldstein creates another abstract masterpiece.  Her creative use of colors and variety of brush strokes are reminiscent of a trained artist, but Frances is a novice. Her hidden talent was discovered during an art class at the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center, part of Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

Frances, 65, has Alzheimer’s disease.  She was diagnosed nearly nine years ago when her family became aware of her continual difficulty with short- term memory.  When Frances and her husband Jacobo Goldstein first visited the Memory and Wellness Center last August, Frances was reluctant to join in any activities.  Through the urging of Pat Saidon, the Center’s artful memories program teacher, Frances joined the art class that first day and the rest, as Jacobo will proudly tell you, is history.  Frances has many friends at the center.  She not only participates in the art program, but also enjoys many of the other activities, especially Gentle Chair Yoga with octogenarian instructor Vera Paley.  Recently, Frances began painting at home. Whether in English or her native Spanish, she will tell you enthusiastically “You should see how I am painting.”

Pat, who is from Argentina, and Frances, who is from Mexico, share a special bond through language. Pat is thrilled with the progress that Frances has made and passionate about her work at the Center. She understands the condition and the needs of her students and how much she can encourage them without frustrating them. 

“These people are my life, our dialogue is through art.  Although they deal with frustration every day, here they are fulfilled, this is their sanctuary,” said Pat.  “The artful memories program allows them to create something meaningful, something that gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment.  The Memory and Wellness Center is a wonderful place for them to come to, a place where they can feel special and cared for.” 

Frances’ husband Jacobo would agree. “The dedication of the staff and volunteers at Florida Atlantic University’s Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center is commendable. They do an amazing job caring for the people,” said Jocobo.  “I have seen firsthand how they provide tender loving care and personal attention to each person.  The programs of the center offer a tremendous service to those of us who are caregivers.  It has been such a joy for our family to see the progress Frances has made and the personal fulfillment she has gained from her painting. We are grateful to Pat Saidon for her kindness and patience in nurturing this special interest and to the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center for providing this unique program.” 

Before moving to Boca Raton, the Goldsteins enjoyed a busy life in Washington D.C.  Jacobo, an award winning radio journalist, served for 18 years as a White House correspondent, thirteen of them with the radio division of CNN en Espanol.  During his time with CNN, he interviewed various U.S. presidents and other dignitaries.  After announcing his retirement, Jacobo was honored at CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta and later in a special ceremony with President George Bush in the Oval Office. 

Before Alzheimer’s struck, Frances, herself, was a talented communicator.  She was a 16-year member of the Capitol Speakers’ Club, an esteemed group of women leaders who learn to perfect the technique of public speaking.  The objective of the group since its inception in 1951 has been to promote the exchange of ideas and foster mutual understanding among women of different nations.  The last four speeches Frances presented, before her illness became too advanced, were about Alzheimer’s disease.

Jacobo, who has been married to Frances for 45 years, is proud of the manner in which his wife has handled her disease.  Since her diagnosis, Frances has willingly done whatever she could to help herself and others who are affected by the illness.  She has participated in at least five research studies under the direction of Dr. Paul Aisen, professor of neurology and medicine and director of the memory disorders program at Georgetown University Medical Center.  The drug trial she is presently on has shown some promise for slowing down the progression of the disease.  In 2000, when no other patient would step forward to be featured in a televised news report about Alzheimer’s disease, Frances agreed to be interviewed. She has also been featured on World News Tonight with Peter Jennings and on CBS Evening News with Dan Rather.  After the segments aired, Georgetown Medical Center and the trial drug’s manufacturer were deluged with calls.

Every three months, Frances and Jacobo return to Washington so that Dr. Aisen can monitor her progress.  In between these trips, Frances continues with her very special artwork and Jacobo willingly runs out to the arts and crafts store to buy more canvases. 

For more information about the programs of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center at FAU, call 561-297-0502.  For information about donor opportunities to support the Center, call Elaine Rainwater at 561-297-1102. 

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