Tribute! Experience the Joy of Opera while helping those living with Alzheimer’s

Music saved Scott Hancock at a time when a deepening depression could have easily taken over. As the primary caregiver for his mom, who was living with Alzheimer’s disease, Scott found himself challenged with a myriad of decisions and situations. Caregiving, especially for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, a degenerative and fatal dementia, can become increasingly difficult as the disease progresses, demanding more and more of caregivers. It takes a toll emotionally, physically and financially.

“I faced fear and indecision around every corner,” Hancock shares, reflecting on the early years of caring for his mother. “I was overwhelmed by balancing Mom’s health care, continued safety and my own life!”

Then he found the Alzheimer’s Association, which helped him navigate the journey with programs and services of support, care, education and connection. With this support from the Association, he began to feel more confident and capable. And that’s when the joy returned. And that’s where music became a release and salvation. 

“Music saved me.  Learning how to sing gave me focus, energy. And it let me express my strength, express myself creatively.” Hancock has played the piano for ten years and has been taking classical vocal training for two years. 

On Saturday, January 18th, Scott will share this joy by holding a fundraiser which he’s entitled Tribute! at Shoreline City Hall from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

Scott created Tribute! to be an annual  recital and raffle to celebrate life, honor the memory of his mom, and support individuals and  families affected Alzheimer’s. Aligned with his cousin Ali Boyle and her husband Jarrod, owners of Alexandria Nicole Cellars, the Boyles bottled a special wine for the occasion called Joy. The wine will be raffled during the Tribute! program.

Hancock’s goal is to raise $20,000 for the local Alzheimer’s Association’s Connections program which provides one-on-one care consultation for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The funds raised will help the Chapter serve more families in our area. Tribute! is free but donations are greatly appreciated.

He has also created a Tribute! Crowdrise campaign for those who want to support the Association but are unable to attend the recital and raffle.

Currently there are more than 150,000 Washingtonians with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, and over 350,000 family members and friends that provide 20 hours and more of weekly unpaid care.  These numbers are expected to triple by 2050 if a cure or treatment to stop the progression is not found. The Alzheimer’s Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information, visit Alzheimer's Association of Washington  or call the Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.