Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Vinitia Strong-McDonald turns experience into advocacy
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Alzheimer's disease has a huge impact -- not just on the person who has it, but on the entire family.
Vinitia Strong-McDonald spent years caring for her sister. Now she's turning her personal advocacy into public action by making sure other families have the resources they need.
"Any questions you may have," Strong-McDonald asked, handing out literature at a recent event.
There's a lot to learn after an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis.
"So, this is some information," she said, handing out pamphlets on symptoms, diagnosis, and medical information.
Strong-McDonald is talking to everyone she can.
"Absolutely!" she exclaimed.
She was providing information at the Alzheimer's Association's annual Black history program.
"This is not hard work for me. Because I enjoy doing it," she said.
With her easy laugh, you can tell it's a labor of love.
But this journey started with pain.
"It was really difficult because it was like she wasn't my sister anymore," she recalled.
She spent years caring for her sister, Darlene Strong.
"And I'm like, we've got go to the doctor and get checked out because this is not you. She was only 58, 59 years old," she said.
Even at that young age, there weren't treatments that could help.
"But I promised her that I was always going to be her biggest advocate. And I was going to be there, and I never left my sister's side," she said.
Strong-McDonald educated herself along the way, finding support in the Alzheimer's Association, where she's now on the board of directors.
Her sister passed away almost two years ago. Strong-McDonald's advocacy never stopped.
She's even lobbied lawmakers in Washington, DC.
"Vinitia, she's a special type of person," said her friend and mentee, Lawanda Chambers.
Chambers calls Strong-McDonald her mentor, but knows she has other names, too.
"They call her the Mayor of Olive Street," Chambers said.
Strong-McDonald started the Olive Street block party in her Rufus-King neighborhood to create connection in her community.
Chambers says she nominated her to be an everyday hero by watching her improve lives.
"Everyone knew her, respected her and looked up to her in such way, and I said, yes, that's what an everyday hero is," Chambers said of Strong-McDonald.
A hero to her sister and many others. Strong-McDonald has simple advice.
"Show up. Not only for people, but for your community," she said.
Strong-McDonald also organizes cleanups, helps clear snow, and she got a speed hump installed to cut down on reckless driving.
And back to the Alzheimer's Association, she also pointed out that African Americans are about twice as likely as their white counterparts to develop dementia. For more resources, click here.
If you'd like to nominate an Everyday Hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].