Celebrating Two Duet Affiliates at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s Shine a Light Awards

November is National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the perfect time to honor family caregivers who are making a difference.

This year, we are grateful to celebrate two remarkable individuals affiliated with Duet, Linda Rode and Deanne Poulos, who have been selected to receive Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s Shine a Light Awards for their dedication to supporting caregivers and raising dementia awareness.

Ambassador Advocate Award

Linda Rode is receiving the Ambassador Advocate Award, recognizing her for spending her time and talent to offer education and support in our community. As a volunteer for Duet, she became certified to lead our signature 10-week video discussion series, Finding Meaning and Hope, based on Dr. Pauline Boss’s book Loving Someone Who Has Dementia. Linda found the program to be a game-changer and committed to helping others by sharing the concepts. She also became a facilitator for another Duet program, The Next Chapter in My Life, helping caregivers navigate the transition to life after caregiving. 

Trailblazer Award

Deanne Poulos is receiving the Trailblazer Award, recognizing her for implementing creative programs that enrich family members tending to afflicted loved ones. A support group leader and webinar host for Duet, Deanne drew from her background as a professional writer with an English degree from Occidental College to establish writing workshops for caregivers. Writing about caregiving experiences is therapeutic and transformative as it helps process honest emotions. The writers also participate in public readings that Deanne orchestrates. In addition, she leads a book discussion group where caregivers can connect for meaningful discussion.   

Both Linda and Deanne have first-hand experience as caregivers. Deanne cared for her late parents, and Linda cared for her husband. In a twist of fate, Linda’s husband passed away only days before she was notified that she’d be receiving this award. She says he would be so happy and proud she is making a difference in dementia awareness and education.   

We are incredibly proud of Linda and Deanne!

Join us to celebrate their achievements, connect with resources, and meet others in the caregiving community at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s Shine a Light on All Dementias event on Saturday, November 22, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at 901 E. Willetta Street Phoenix, AZ 85006 (near 9th Street and McDowell Road).

This free event is designed to challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and bring hope for Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia in recognition of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It will feature family activities, live music, Luana’s Coffee, yoga, community resources, and a message of hope and progress from internationally recognized Alzheimer’s research leader Dr. Jessica Langbaum.

Walk-ins are not permitted, and registration is required.

To register or for questions, please call (602) 230-2273 or visit bannerhealth.com/calendar and type the keyword “Shine A Light.”