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.
When her veteran husband Paul was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson’s disease, Linda chose courage and service over retreat, committing to learning and volunteering to uplift other caregivers. Linda discovered Duet’s Finding Meaning and Hope program as a participant, calling it a “game-changer” that provided language and tools for understanding ambiguous loss. Personal healing transformed into missions, and she now facilitates the program herself, completing seven 10-week series with empathy and authenticity, including specialized veteran family sessions.
Recognizing unique needs of caregivers transition loved ones to care homes, Linda trained to facilitate The Next Chapter in My Life, helping participants process grief and shape meaningful futures with compassion and grace. Linda’s impact extends beyond Duet. With peer Peggy McMahon, she spearheaded Fountain Hills’ Dementia Friends initiative, planning successful annual conferences that built dementia-friendly community awareness and broke down stigma. At the heart of Linda’s advocacy is her philosophy of kindness, positivity, and self-compassion. She encourages caregivers to “meet your loved one where they are,” emphasizing kindness over being right while reminding them to extend grace to themselves. Linda’s profound influence creates ripple effects toughing caregivers, families, patients, and communities. Her tireless dedication, innovative spirit, and unwavering compassion make her deserving of the Advocate Ambassador Award.
Trailblazer Award
Deanne Poulos is receiving the Trailblazer Award, recognizing her for implementing creative programs that enrich family members tending to afflicted loved ones.
Deanne’s caregiving journey began through personal experience—caring for her parents during their finals years while enduring profound losses. These challenges shaped her deep empathy and sense of purpose. After her parents’ passing, Deanne joined the caregiver services team at Duet and immediately made a significant impact. Her professional background and lived experience brought fresh insights into serving family caregivers. Deanne created Duet’s webinar series, built a robust platform addressing caregivers’ real needs. She seeks speakers on resonant topics, creating space for healing, education, and connection. Recognizing the need for broader community, she launched a caregiver book club where participants gather around shared stories, creating safe spaces for connection and reflection. Her innovation continued with writing workshops encouraging caregivers to express their innermost thoughts.
Whether at events or staff meetings, Deanne brings light and joy. Her singing and dancing skills lift everyone’s spirits—her energy is infectious, her presence comforting. Deanne never shies away from challenges. Whether writing stories, creating materials, or organizing events, she gives every task full attention. She is a consummate professional whose impact touches everyone from lifelong friends to first-time Duet visitors. Most importantly, Deanne has an incredible gift for saying just the right thing. She offers reassurance, hope, and understanding to those struggling, reminding people they are seen, heard, and never alone. Deanne is creative, courageous, and innovative and a true embodiment of a trailblazer.
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.