The 2010 Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala, themed “Experience the Mystery,” will take place on Tuesday, October 26 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City to raise funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Vibrant colours, seductive sounds and exotic tastes all speak to the allure of Eastern culture on display at this exciting event.
The evening is a time to shine a light on the ongoing mystery of Alzheimer’s disease, which affects more than 5 million Americans and is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S.
The gala is lead by founder and General Chair Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, the daughter of the late Rita Hayworth, who passed away in 1987 from Alzheimer’s disease.
Suspected of severe alcoholism and prone to erratic behaviour, Rita’s career dwindled in the 1950s and failed in the 1960s. She was, in fact, suffering the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, which went undiagnosed until 1980.
Princess Yasmin recently wrote an essay on Alzheimer’s disease in which she said:
My own experience with the disease began when I was young girl. On visits home from boarding school, I would notice my mother's odd behaviour. She would move her personal items from her bedroom to other closets around the house, including mine. She would throw all the food out of cupboards. She imagined that someone was trying to break into her home.
As the disease progressed, her confusion, disorientation and fear worsened. As her panic increased, my own helplessness and guilt became overwhelming. It was a terrible day when we stood together in front of a mirror, and she turned to me and asked, "Who are you?"
Of the New York City Rita Hayworth Gala, she said “This is my way of honouring my mother. This is my way of creating a dialogue.”
You can read the full essay here: Waking up to the Realities of Alzheimer's Disease.
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