Foster Garvey is pleased to announce that Mikaela Louie, an associate in the firm’s Health Care group in Seattle, has been named the 2021 recipient of the Clacey McNary Volunteer of the Year Award by the Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter.
Mikaela was selected as this year’s "Volunteer of the Year" out of approximately 580 Alzheimer’s Association volunteers throughout the Washington State Chapter service area for her commitment and dedication as a full-mission volunteer, serving to further the support, care, education and research efforts of the organization. She was officially presented with this esteemed honor at the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2021 Discovery Conference on Friday, April 23, 2021.
“We are tremendously proud of Mikaela and the leadership she has brought to an organization that is near and dear to her heart,” said Foster Garvey Co-Chair Diana Shukis.
Mikaela’s story of becoming involved with the Alzheimer’s Association is a personal one. Nearly one decade ago, her mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. From that point on, Mikaela has devoted her time and efforts with the organization to drive a more inclusive narrative, advocate for equitable services and fight for a cure.
“This is truly a well-deserved achievement that speaks volumes about her devotion to the Alzheimer’s Association and the important ways she has supported its mission,” said Foster Garvey Co-Chair Rafael Stone.
Since 2014, Mikaela has served on the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter, including in her current role as Board Chair. She also serves as Co-Chair of the chapter’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Additionally, Mikaela is the Alzheimer’s Advocacy Ambassador to U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington’s 7th Congressional District. Since embarking on her journey toward a future without Alzheimer’s, Congress has approved an additional $2.5 billion in federal research funding for Alzheimer’s disease. Washington state also passed the Alzheimer’s State Plan, which aims to provide support to individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Mikaela recently joined the Dementia Action Collaborative, a public-private partnership charged with implementing the Alzheimer’s State Plan.
The Clacey McNary Volunteer of the Year Award commemorates one of the Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter’s most dedicated and dependable volunteers. Clacey McNary began volunteering with the organization after his wife Polly was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and he continued to donate his time and talents to the cause well into his nineties.
Read more about Mikaela’s story and this recognition on the Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter blog.
