ALZHEIMERS ART QUILT INITIATIVE
Invite reviews
One of the terrible things about seeing a loved one face Alzheimer's is that it makes you feel so helpless. One of the great things about the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative is that making a little quilt and seeing it raise money for research is that it makes you feel that you are doing something to help.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing how a group of people can make a difference by working together
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
let more people know about the good work it does
A sure way to panic is have the neurologist issue this statement--"your
husband has Alzheimer's disease. There is no cure."
When I read about the AAQI I knew I had to make a Little Quilt. Since
there are no salaried people, everyone involved is a volunteer, this is the most worthy charity I've ever known. I will continue to buy and make Little Quilts. We have to help find the cause/cure for this horrible disease.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Reading that a grant from AAQI has shown some progress.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Do nothing.
I'm a quilter with a sister who died of Alzheimer's a little over a year ago. I learned of AAQI from a quilting magazine and decided I wanted to support them by making Priority Quilts. It was a cathartic experience for me to make the quilts, a way for me to process my grief.
AAQI is an incredible organization propelled by so many selfless volunteers. They help those associated with Alzheimer's on so many levels (financially and emotionally to name a few) and with great compassion. AAQI is a truly a grass roots non-profit organization that is working wonders in so many ways.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
AAQI has supported me in processing my grief and to help me realize that there is support for all those whose lives are touched by Alzheimer's.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give Ami Simms, AAQI's founder, all the help, energy, support and assistance she needs to keep AAQI running.
I attended the 2010 Houston International Quilt Festival and came across the AAQI booth. The quilts caught my eye and then I met Ami. I had no idea she was the founder, and because she is such a selfless person, she never mentioned it to me either. I shared with her a little about my sweet momma who is deep in the throes of Alzheimer’s Disease. What a caring, understanding angel Ami is. We stood and talked (and cried) for just a bit. I left feeling somewhat better and determined to help AAQI’s cause of funding research to find a cure for this horrible blight on our families. I came home and did a little checking on the organization and found just what I expected to find – that they give every penny possible to research and are all so selfless in what they do. I am totally impressed by this organization. I have given a donation and am working toward starting my first Priority Quilt. I want it to be special. We must find a cure for this disease before many, many more of us are devastated by it. Ami is on the frontline fighting the battle and I appreciate her and her organization more than they can ever know.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Every time research gets closer to finding a cause/cure for Alzheimer's, we all are a little bit better off. AAQI funded a study at U of M which has made a great breakthrough. They have also funded many other studies which get us closer to that cure. I've personally experienced Ami's compassion.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The only change I would make is to grow the organization by leaps and bounds with more volunteers and contibutors. I wouldn't change a thing about the way AAQI works. I am so impressed with this group.
My mother died from Alzheimer's Disease and my father from Vascular/Alzheimer's Disease. It was a long, sad, emotionally draining journey for all of us. We did everything we could to make them comfortable and happy in their last years. Unfortunately, at that time, there wasn't a lot of help (financially, emotionally, or hands-on) that was truly dementia-specific. The AAQI is a fantastic, fun way to raise funds to be used for research for the cause and cure for this horrible disease. How many other charities can boast that 100% of funding goes to research? The volunteers that run this charity are to be commended and that includes the quilters, buyers, promoters, and "worker-bees". It has been my pleasure to donate a quilt for sale, purchase quilts and collect enough names to make more than one full purple-patch background quilt for the new exhibit. I wish Ami Simms and her crew the best of luck.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
When visiting the 1st traveling exhibit I was touched to my core by knowing that others had or were experiencing the same emotions and trials that my family had gone thru. It uplifted my soul and yet made me sad that others are still having to go thru this. Only thru research $$$ can any progress be made with this dreadful disease and Ami is doing all she can to that end.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I'm not sure I would make any changes.
The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative is the best way to donate. I make quilts, and I buy quilts. It is the best way I can help. Ami Simms did a wonderful thing when she started this charity. She and many other volunteers continue to do everything they can to raise money for research. There are no paid employees – only volunteers.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I received great satisfaction in knowing that I am helping the only way I know how - by quilting.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More quilts, more buyers, and more money!
This organization was founded by a celebrity in the quilting world who was personally touched by the loss of her mother. You can never describe the feelings that over take your body as you are standing in front one of the AAQI's traveling exhibits. The director Ami Simms has tapped in to an avenue to educate in the medium of quilts. Art moves people. Tactile art lets them feel with their hands what is in thier hearts. The amount of money raised for this cause through the sale of these lovingly stitched donation quilts is nothing short of incredible and each one that is owned has the educational ability to pay it forward in letting other know more about the cause and the wide reaching affect Alzheimers has on all those who are touch by it. I found my volunteer experience life changing in my perception of Alzheimers- This organization is a grassroots movement that needs to be noticed- its a movement constantly focused on its purpose with unprecedented transparency in all aspect. It is my intention to volunteer for their booth at the International Quilt Festival so that I can be a part again of such a worthy cause. I constantly encourage people to visit the website and to challenge them to make thier own priorty quilt to donate. This is something I do with out being with the organization...so my experience remains ongoing in smaller ways- with hopes that I can do something bigger for the organziation as time allows me to.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my time spent with the quilts thier were exhibited, the other people who have been called to volunteer- and the people who have benefited by the gained knowledge of Alzheimers- what it is- signs to watch for- and the healing power of sharing ones story.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not change a thing- it is run by a wonderfully gifted group of volunteers each called to use thier gifts in areas of expertise, and directed by someone who through her life- has focused on doing a job and doing it well-
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
seeing how it has touched people- to join the grassroots movement in what ever way they can do "something". Being a part of doing something you know is making a difference.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
All top notch people- down to earth, and passionate about the cause. Able to cry with you and laugh with you. Compassionate human beings who want to see people be educated and to hope some day they will find the cause and or hte cure.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Do some very incredible things-
Ways to make it better...
i dont think it could have been better.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
getting venues that will reach those who do not go to quilt shows...but would benefit from the exposure to the exhibits.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Its a wonderful organization that I am blessed to be associated with- only wishing I could do more- for longer periods of time...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I'd received Ami Simms' newsletter, and when she first asked for quilts I didn't think I could do anything, because I didn't have personal experience with having a relative with Alzheimer's disease. In March of 2007, I thought of an idea for a quilt I called "Thongs for the Memories". I sent it in and received such a lovely note to thank me. They liked my quilt! I was hooked, and 27 Priority quilts later, I am still hooked on supporting this amazing cause. I've since learned that no one escapes being affected somehow by this disease. Ami educates us, inspires us, motivates us, and moves us. AAQI is changing the future of Alzheimer's disease one quilt at a time.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
making and purchasing Priority Quilts. Realizing that I can help make a difference for the future.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
everyone is so lovely! I've received so many wonderful notes about the quilts I've donated. I like that I can do something I love to help such a worthy cause.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
OMG! Eveyone I've dealt with has been just wonderful!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
find a cure!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have been involved with AAQI since 2006. My mom died with Alzheimer's mid-2005 after a multi-year descent. It broke my heart when she no longer knew my name ... During her illness and years of decline, my sister and I felt so powerless. We did everything we could to keep Mom safe and comfortable, but the relentless progression of the disease stole her away. Now, I stitch in her honor and memory to help AAQI raise desperately needed research funds. No one makes an Alzheimer's journey alone - as Mother Theresa put it: “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” This is SO true of AAQI - together, one quilt at a time, we ARE making a difference. I am grateful and honored to be a part of AAQI.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
AAQI was and continues to be a big part of my personal grief therapy. Making Priority Quilts offers motivation to use my creativity and skills to benefit others.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
knowing that there are so many others who are traveling this road with their loved ones ~ there's a terrific sense of connectedness and community in AAQI.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
AMAZING!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I first heard about the AAQI when my sister encouraged me to submit a quilt for Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece. Our Dad had just been diagnosed with dementia and we both were interested in doing anything we could to support fundraising for research. To my surprise, my quilt was accepted into the show! I made a few Priority Quilts and was hooked on the 9x12 size because I could try something new and not make too big a commitment to it. It was fun, and my pieces were raising more money than I could ever hope to donate out-of-pocket. One day I was reading one of Ami's blog posts where she was asking for volunteers to help with editing and sizing pictures of quilts for the website. I volunteered and it snowballed from there - I saw many more things I could do to help the (at that time) fledgling organization and I jumped in with both hands and feet. The reason? I love the fact that this is a grassroots, all volunteer organization and there was no overhead or salaries taking a percentage of the money I raised. At a point where Dad's disease allowed me little I could do to help, I found solace in helping the AAQI raise money for research to cure a disease that leaves people helpless. I am a firm believer in the mission of the AAQI and will continue to help in any way I can.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've watched the AAQI grow and become a force in the fundraising efforts for dementia research and I'm happy to have a part in making that happen!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting people with similar goals from all over the country.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Fabulous, generous, wonderful people.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Fund more research to find a cure for Alzheimer's.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews