Latest news with #Allyson
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Warrington's Gladiator winner backs appeal in honour of her late mum
WARRINGTON'S Gladiator has backed an Alzheimer's Society appeal in honour of her late mum. Amanda Wah, who lives in Lymm, soared through the latest season of the BBC TV show and claimed victory in the tense grand final. The gym owner dedicated her triumph to her mum, Allyson, who was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia at 55. 'My mum was always there for us,' said Amanda. 'She was a stubborn lady and very supportive of the whole family. She never dropped the ball. 'But she was only 55 when she was diagnosed with dementia back in 2015. She'd been having problems with her speech for a while, but the doctors put it down to menopause. 'At first she was slurring her words, but later she started to lose her speech entirely.' Amanda dedicated her victory to her mum (Image: Alex Hughes) Allyson was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a type of frontotemporal dementia which progressed over time. People diagnosed with PPA can have trouble remembering words and names of objects, and others may struggle to speak at their usual speed or use words in the right order. 'When mum first got her diagnosis, we made the most of every day, taking trips and visiting places she'd always wanted to see,' said Amanda. 'We used phone apps to communicate. She didn't lose her memory, but the Covid lockdowns had a massive impact. We really saw a big deterioration and by 2023 she was struggling to eat and had lost a lot of weight. 'Things got harder for the family, especially my dad who cared for mum at home. We lost her in April 2023.' This month, Amanda is proudly wearing a Forget Me Not badge as part of Alzheimer's Society's Forget Me Not Appeal. Read more Boyfriend, dad and friends of woman who fought cancer twice team up for big challenge Why two vital Warrington charities came together on one memorable night Race for Life countdown as Warrington cancer fundraiser returns 'We are so grateful to Amanda for supporting our Forget Me Not Appeal,' said Jess Mackenzie, Alzheimer's Society Regional Fundraiser for Cheshire. 'One in three people born in the UK will develop dementia in their lifetime. Dementia affects all of us. 'Every donation to the Forget Me Not Appeal helps fund crucial Alzheimer's Society services and groundbreaking dementia research. 'Everyone will have their own reason for wearing a badge, it could be in honour of a loved one receiving life-changing support, or in recognition of the groundbreaking research shaping the future for those living with dementia.' To find out more about the appeal, and to donate, visit
Business Wire
05-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Belmont Village Senior Living's Allyson Fujii Honored with CALA Excellence in Service Award
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Belmont Village Senior Living, a leading developer, owner, and operator of senior living communities across the nation, proudly announces that Allyson Fujii, Director of Memory Programs at Belmont Village San Jose, has received the California Assisted Living Association (CALA) Excellence in Service Award. The prestigious honor, awarded during the 2025 CALA Spring Conference, celebrates Allyson's exceptional contributions to memory care programming and her deep commitment to improving residents' lives. Since starting her career at Belmont Village in 2013 as an Enrichment Leader, leading activities for residents with cognitive impairment, Allyson has grown into her role as the Memory Programs Director, where she has taken full ownership over the care, programming, and experiences of residents in the Memory Care enrichment programs. Her innovative approach, compassion, and leadership have transformed the memory care experience for residents, families, and staff alike, and her devotion to the residents extends to everyone at Belmont Village San Jose. Allyson's programming not only enhances cognitive engagement but also supports residents in expressing themselves, fostering connections, and maintaining a sense of purpose. 'Allyson is a true changemaker in our community,' said Executive Director of Belmont Village San Jose, Rachel Brown. 'Her energy, creativity, and dedication are unmatched. She has created an environment where residents feel seen, heard, and empowered, and where staff feel inspired to give their best.' Known for her warmth and collaboration, Allyson builds strong relationships with families and leads with a deep sense of empathy. Allyson prioritizes getting to know residents and their families on a personal level to create customized, meaningful moments for each resident. She has developed programs that embrace residents' individuality while guiding team members with a strong, supportive presence. Her passion for innovation has helped implement successful, person-centered memory care practices that continue to evolve and grow under her leadership. 'We are so proud of Allyson and her career thus far at Belmont Village,' said Mercedes Kerr, President of Belmont Village Senior Living. 'Her commitment to excellence and tireless dedication to our mission have impacted countless lives. For over a decade, she has seized the growth opportunities Belmont Village proudly creates, realizing her amazing leadership potential. We are grateful for her contribution and the way she helps to share who we are as a company. We are thrilled that CALA has recognized her with this well-deserved honor.' Allyson is one of five Belmont Village team members to receive a CALA Excellence in Service Award since 2023, which reflects the organization's commitment to excellence in senior care and its investment in cultivating exceptional talent across its communities. This growing recognition underscores Belmont Village's culture of support, innovation, and leadership development at every level of the organization. About Belmont Village Senior Living Founded in Houston in 1997, Belmont Village is an integrated developer, owner, and operator of high-quality senior living communities, with more than 4,600 employees and 5,000 units in total. Its 35 locations across the country and in Mexico City, provide award-winning assisted living and memory care programs and ongoing collaborations with Baptist Health South Florida, UC San Diego, USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and more to continually improve their cognitive health and evidence-based enrichment programs. The company is a market leader in major markets including South Florida, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Chicago. Renowned for distinctive design, high standards of life and safety, and reputation for leading edge, quality programming, Belmont Village has been certified as a Great Place to Work ® since 2018, has been ranked as one of FORTUNE Magazine's 50 Best Workplaces for Aging Services for five years, and has been recognized by U.S News & World Report as Best in Senior Living. LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram.
American Military News
01-06-2025
- General
- American Military News
Families send off Iowa National Guard soldiers in Iowa City for yearlong deployment
During his yearlong deployment with the Iowa National Guard, Jason Vogel will miss the birth of his first biological child. But in the sacrifice, he also is achieving a lifelong goal of serving his country overseas. Vogel reenlisted after more than a decade in the National Guard for the opportunity to deploy and 'support our country one last time before I hang up my boots,' he said. The Iowa National Guard is holding 24 community-based send-off ceremonies Wednesday through Friday this week in honor of about 1,800 Iowa soldiers deploying to the Middle East. Vogel, of Ames, is one of 103 troops in the 133rd Infantry, B Company, sent off Wednesday from the Melrose Readiness Center in Iowa City. The soldiers will support Operation Inherent Resolve, a military operation to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The soldiers will contribute to the operation by joining coalition forces to provide security, support partner nations and assist efforts to maintain stability in the region, according to the Iowa National Guard. Another send-off ceremony will be held in Cedar Rapids at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Cedar Rapids Armory for nine soldiers. An additional 105 soldiers will be sent off during a ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday at the Armory in Cedar Rapids. B Company began their journey to Louisiana Wednesday evening where they will receive training for about a month before continuing to the countries of Kuwait, Iraq or Syria, Capt. Brandon Donoho said. Donoho said the send-off ceremony is 'a first step on a path that leads us home.' The families of the soldiers have 'our eternal gratitude,' he said. 'We're going to protect the force, we're going to complete the mission, and we're going to come home … We have trained for this, and we are ready. We have a proud legacy to continue, and I know we will not fail,' Donohue said. Retired Sgt. Leo Pins — who deployed four times when he was in the service — urged the soldiers to write letters home. 'They will keep that with them forever,' he said. 'Know that your soldiers will be taking care of each other. They'll be watching out for each other,' Pins said during the ceremony. Vogel's wife, Allyson Vogel, said it was one of her biggest fears that he would be deployed during the birth of their child, a girl they plan to name Evelyn. 'God has a sense of humor,' she said. Allyson said she is trying to continue 'calmly and carefully,' remaining strong for her two children — Jason Vogel's stepchildren — Connor Rhodes, 7, and Johanna Glauner, 3. 'If I break down and just completely lose it, I don't want to scare them,' Allyson said. Allyson said she is 'putting my trust in God,' engaging in support groups for families of deployed soldiers and reminding her husband that he has a family who loves him and expects him to return home safely. Devon Kregel, of North Liberty, hugged his five-month-old son Jameson close ahead of the send-off ceremony. His wife Addison and son Logan, 8, also gathered near him. 'I'm excited to go. It obviously stinks leaving the little ones, but it's what we signed up for,' he said. Valerie and Eric Key, of Marion, tearfully said goodbye to their son Ryan Key, 19, who is deploying. Valerie said she's nervous and proud. Jerrell Hinson, 19, of Tiffin, said he's overwhelmed to be deploying. 'It's sad, leaving. But I know I'm doing it for a good cause,' he said. ___ © 2025 The Gazette Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Appoints Allyson McMillan-Youngblood as Senior Vice President, Rare Disease Franchise
SAN DIEGO, May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD) today announced the appointment of Allyson McMillan-Youngblood as Senior Vice President, Rare Disease Franchise. In this role Allyson will be joining Acadia's commercial leadership team with a focus on maximizing the potential of DAYBUE® and preparing for future product launches as the Company expands its rare disease portfolio. "We are delighted to welcome Allyson to Acadia," said Catherine Owen Adams, Chief Executive Officer. "She brings a remarkable breadth of experience across U.S. and global sales and marketing roles, with a proven track record of delivering strong commercial results. Her leadership across therapeutic areas—including oncology, immunology, CNS, infectious disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders—as well as her experience specifically in rare oncology, will be invaluable as we grow the DAYBUE brand and advance our pipeline to bring new therapies to patients in need." Allyson's distinguished career spans more than 20 years in the global pharmaceutical industry including various sales positions, both in primary care and specialty sectors, at Pfizer, and significant commercial roles at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS). Most recently, Allyson served as Senior Vice President and Business Unit Head, U.S. Oncology at BMS, where she provided strategic oversight for two major acquisitions in rare tumors, resulting in successful product launches and significant market share growth. Beyond her operational expertise, Allyson is recognized as a driven and highly capable leader who fosters an inclusive culture that embraces both strategic and solution-oriented innovation. "I am excited to join Acadia Pharmaceuticals," said Allyson McMillan-Youngblood. "Acadia has a strong commitment to patient care and innovation, and I look forward to working with the team to drive DAYBUE growth and prepare to bring new therapies to patients with rare diseases." Allyson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida A&M University. She has been consistently recognized for her ability to lead through change and her commitment to improving patient outcomes throughout her career. About Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia is advancing breakthroughs in neuroscience to elevate life. Since our founding we have been working at the forefront of healthcare to bring vital solutions to people who need them most. We developed and commercialized the first and only FDA-approved drug to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis and the first and only approved drug in the United States and Canada for the treatment of Rett syndrome. Our clinical-stage development efforts are focused on Prader-Willi syndrome, Alzheimer's disease psychosis and multiple other programs targeting neuroscience and neuro-rare diseases. For more information, visit us at and follow us on LinkedIn and X. View source version on Contacts Investor Contact: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Kildani(858) 261-2872ir@ Acadia Pharmaceuticals Tieszen(858) 261-2950ir@ Media Contact: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Kazenelson(818) 395-3043media@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Appoints Allyson McMillan-Youngblood as Senior Vice President, Rare Disease Franchise
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD) today announced the appointment of Allyson McMillan-Youngblood as Senior Vice President, Rare Disease Franchise. In this role Allyson will be joining Acadia's commercial leadership team with a focus on maximizing the potential of DAYBUE ® and preparing for future product launches as the Company expands its rare disease portfolio. 'We are delighted to welcome Allyson to Acadia,' said Catherine Owen Adams, Chief Executive Officer. 'She brings a remarkable breadth of experience across U.S. and global sales and marketing roles, with a proven track record of delivering strong commercial results. Her leadership across therapeutic areas—including oncology, immunology, CNS, infectious disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders—as well as her experience specifically in rare oncology, will be invaluable as we grow the DAYBUE brand and advance our pipeline to bring new therapies to patients in need.' Allyson's distinguished career spans more than 20 years in the global pharmaceutical industry including various sales positions, both in primary care and specialty sectors, at Pfizer, and significant commercial roles at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS). Most recently, Allyson served as Senior Vice President and Business Unit Head, U.S. Oncology at BMS, where she provided strategic oversight for two major acquisitions in rare tumors, resulting in successful product launches and significant market share growth. Beyond her operational expertise, Allyson is recognized as a driven and highly capable leader who fosters an inclusive culture that embraces both strategic and solution-oriented innovation. 'I am excited to join Acadia Pharmaceuticals,' said Allyson McMillan-Youngblood. 'Acadia has a strong commitment to patient care and innovation, and I look forward to working with the team to drive DAYBUE growth and prepare to bring new therapies to patients with rare diseases.' Allyson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida A&M University. She has been consistently recognized for her ability to lead through change and her commitment to improving patient outcomes throughout her career. About Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia is advancing breakthroughs in neuroscience to elevate life. Since our founding we have been working at the forefront of healthcare to bring vital solutions to people who need them most. We developed and commercialized the first and only FDA-approved drug to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis and the first and only approved drug in the United States and Canada for the treatment of Rett syndrome. Our clinical-stage development efforts are focused on Prader-Willi syndrome, Alzheimer's disease psychosis and multiple other programs targeting neuroscience and neuro-rare diseases. For more information, visit us at and follow us on LinkedIn and X.
