A Grand Valley business owner known for her tireless dedication to dementia care received a stunning surprise on Thursday. Lori Henderson, the owner of FirstLight Home Care, was honored with a one-of-a-kind Community Impact Award from the Alzheimer’s Association of Western Colorado, recognizing her decades of service and over $60,000 in contributions to the fight against the disease.
The emotional reveal left Henderson speechless, marking a significant moment for the local chapter as they highlighted the power of individual advocacy in a region where thousands of families face the challenges of Alzheimer’s every day.
A Historic Honor for Decades of Service
This was not a standard recognition ceremony. Officials from the Alzheimer’s Association of Western Colorado orchestrated the surprise to honor Henderson’s consistent and passionate support. Lisa Smith, the Development Manager for the association, presented the award, noting its historical significance for the organization.
“This is a one-of-a-kind award. It is the first to be awarded here in the Grand Valley area for sure,” Smith stated during the presentation.
The award was created specifically to acknowledge Henderson’s dual impact. She has supported the cause through personal volunteering and through her business leadership at FirstLight Home Care. According to association officials, her combined efforts have funneled more than $60,000 into the organization’s mission. These funds directly support critical research, local care programs, and support groups that act as lifelines for families in Western Colorado.
Henderson was visibly moved by the gesture. She admitted the recognition was completely unexpected, as her work has always been driven by passion rather than a desire for accolades.
“I don’t give, I don’t donate, I don’t volunteer for the recognition. I do it because it fulfills my heart,” Henderson said, fighting back tears. “But this right here, I have goosebumps right now. The feeling, my heart is so full. I feel loved.”
Transforming Care into Community Action
Henderson’s journey to this moment began long before she became a business owner. Her professional path took her from working as a legal secretary to becoming a caregiver, a transition that sparked a deep passion for helping others age with dignity. This personal mission eventually led her to become the owner of FirstLight Home Care of the Western Slope.
Under her leadership, the agency has become more than just a service provider; it has become a pillar of community support. Henderson has built a “Culture of Care” that extends beyond client homes and into the broader community.
- Financial Support: The $60,000 raised under her watch helps fund the search for a cure.
- Awareness: Her team actively participates in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and other local events.
- Education: She uses her platform to educate families about dementia care options and resources.
Her staff describes her as a leader who prioritizes people over profits, often going above and beyond to ensure clients are safe and families feel supported. This award validates the ripple effect of her leadership, showing how local businesses can drive substantial social change.
The Growing Need for Local Heroes
The timing of this award highlights a critical public health reality in Colorado. The need for support and funding has never been more urgent. According to recent data, approximately 91,000 Coloradans aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The burden often falls on family members. In Colorado alone, there are roughly 178,000 unpaid caregivers who provide an estimated 309 million hours of care annually. These startling numbers underscore why contributions like Henderson’s are vital.
“She has been responsible for contributing more than $60,000 to our mission, which is really going to escalate the research and care and support that we’re able to provide here,” Smith explained.
Without federal funding covering all the gaps, local chapters rely heavily on private donations and volunteer hours to keep their programs running. Every dollar raised helps fund:
- 24/7 Helplines that provide immediate advice to distressed families.
- Support Groups that offer a safe space for caregivers.
- Clinical Trials that bring us closer to effective treatments.
Inspiring the Next Wave of Volunteers
Organizers of the award presentation hope that Henderson’s story will serve as a catalyst for others in the Grand Valley. The fight against Alzheimer’s requires a community-wide effort, and there are many ways for residents to get involved.
You do not need to own a business to make a difference. The Alzheimer’s Association is constantly seeking volunteers to help with:
- Community education and outreach.
- Event planning for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
- Advocacy efforts to speak with local legislators.
Henderson’s reaction to the award—pure shock and gratitude—reminds us that the rewards of service are often internal. “I am just shocked. I’m really just shocked and I love it,” she said, beaming with the award in hand. Her story proves that one person’s dedication can indeed change the landscape of care for an entire region.
As the number of families affected by dementia continues to rise, the Grand Valley looks to leaders like Lori Henderson to light the way. Her legacy is now cemented not just in the dollars donated, but in the hearts she has touched and the unique award that now sits on her shelf.
We encourage our readers to join the conversation. Do you know a local hero making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
