Face of the Day: Jenny Summa

Jenny Summa is a Council Bluffs native and she says she is proud to help bring awareness about Alzheimer's.

She began working at Bethany Lutheran home in 1993 and quickly realized that working with seniors was her passion. She worked there until 2012, when she took on the position of director of health care at The Heritage at Fox Run Assisted Living.

"One of the things I love best about Fox Run is that I have the chance to work with a variety of people. We assist people who are still quite independent, but we also help care for people who have dementia and Alzheimer's.

"One of the most difficult things is helping families understand the different stages of Alzheimer's, but it can also be one of the most rewarding parts. Knowing that I can help families who are struggling with such a difficult diagnosis means a lot to me. I am thankful that I can turn to the Alzheimer's Association for assistance when I have questions."

This past year, Summa volunteered to be on the Alzheimer's Association Walk Committee. She has assisted in organizing the walk that will be held on Sept. 23 at the Tom Hanafan River'sEdge Park.

"The walk is a great chance to bring awareness to our community about Alzheimer's, and I am happy to do my part," she said.

For more information on how to help in the fight to end Alzheimer's or to start or join a team for the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Council Bluffs at the Tom Hanafan River'sEdge Park on Sept. 23, visit the Alzheimer's Associationalz.org/walk or contact Marsha Williams at 712-308-8946. To learn more about Alzheimer's and available resources, call the toll-free Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.