WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsMary Anderson selected for Jefferson Award

MADISON (WKOW)-- It is called the Nobel Peace Prize for volunteering.

The Jefferson Awards began over 30 years ago.

It recognizes dedication and service of volunteers who transform lives and strengthen communities across the country.

WKOW-TV is proud to bring the Jefferson Awards to Wisconsin.

We feature our first winner in this week's "Someone You Should Know."

Like so many other babyboomers, Mary and Charlie Anderson were both parents and caregivers at a young age.

In addition to their kids, they took care of Charlies' grandmother, Goldie, for 18 years.

"Our grandmother was a typical Alzheimer's patient," said Mary Anderson. "She was awake 24 hours a day. She could go for 72 hours at a time with no sleep."

With very few places to turn for information and help, Mary jumped into action.

She founded the South Central Alzheimer's Association in 1990.

"I volunteered my time up to 3 years before I became a paid employee," said Mary.

It was a time when people didn't talk very much about Alzheimer's and its devastating effects on the person who has it and their family.

"The need was so great," said Mary.

"And it began to help my family as well as many others," said Mary.

Dr. Mark Sager of the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, can attest to Mary's dedication and passion for helping people living with Alzheimer's and the people caring for them.

Mary was instrumental in securing grant money to get the institute off the ground.

"We have extensive statewide programs promoting early diagnosis and treatment, we have state of the art research looking at preclinical Alzheimer's disease and all this stems from Mary's hard work and decisions to and really vision," said Dr. Mark Sager, director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute.

Mary has helped get legislation passed in Wisconsin and nationally with help from U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.

Now pretty much confined to a wheelchair after a stroke 8 years ago, Mary's not been able to volunteer as much as she'd like.

"It seems like it's been a spiral downhill since then, but I'm on my way back," said Mary.

Mary hopes to start giving back again soon.

"The chapter is still going strong," said Mary. "It's providing wonderful programs."

I presented Mary with the Jefferson Award, a small symbol of the changes she has made in attitudes and policy surrounding Alzheimer's.

"Really I feel like Goldie got the Jefferson Award because it was because of her, but it was for her," said Mary.

"It's definitely been worth it," said Mary. "And I thank you very, very much."

If you'd like to nominate someone who is making a difference in our community, click here for more information on our Jefferson Awards.