CAREGIVER HONORED WITH LOCAL AWARD

David Allen was named “Caregiver of the Year” at the third annual Celebrating Family Caregivers’ Event, held Nov. 6 to recognize family caregivers during November, National Family Caregivers’ Month.

Allen’s fiance nominated him. He is the primary caregiver for his parents who both have health issues. Both have diabetes; his mom has rheumatoid arthritis and is in a wheelchair; and his dad must be taken to dialysis three times a week. He cooks, cleans, monitors medicines and takes them to doctor appointments. Like many caregivers, Allen also has a job outside the home. His priority is caring for his parents before his own needs.

For winning this title at the event hosted by Bonita Bandaries, author and former family caregiver, Allen received a complimentary stay at the Courtyard Marriott at the Boardwalk, certificate from Destiny Day Spa and a bracelet from McCary’s Jewelers, which he said he will give to his fiance, Romunda Lockett.

Kathy Condon of Bossier City was named a finalist. She has cared for her husband for nine years after he had a stroke at the age of 52. She shared their story of adjusting to the new routines of life. Her husband can walk short distances with a brace and has made progress. Kathy said God has given her the strength to meet the needs of family caregiver. She and her husband have different hopes and dreams since the stroke and they are more precious.

Another finalist, Hazel Taylor Smith, retired from a career as a nurse practitioner to learn that her husband of 30 years was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Both finalist received $100 gift cards. These were from Darcy Henagan, Henagan Insurance Agency and Stacey Hand, community coordinator for Garden Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center who were primary sponsors of the contest. Some other nominees recognized were Cherel Dawson, Betty Davis and Mary Ann Williams. The nominees were caregivers of spouses, parents and children of special needs.

A feature speaker at the event was Gary Calligas, publisher of “The Best of Times Magazine” and host of “The Best of Times Radio Hour.” Bonita Bandaries signed copies of her new book, “A Promise Kept Inspirational Guide for Family Caregivers.” Several local agencies and support groups dispensed information. Other local businesses provided items for drawings and Brookshires stores contributed refreshments.

BARISH APPOINTED VICE CHANCELLOR AT UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Chancellor Robert A. Barish,who has led the LSU Health Shreveport campus for more than six years, will become the new vice chancellor for health affairs for the University of Illinois at Chicago pending formal approval by the system’s Board of Trustees. He will assume the new role Jan. 1.

LSU President F. King Alexander thanked Barish for his contributions to LSU Health Shreveport and noted his accomplishments, which include attaining full accreditation from the institution’s two primary accrediting agencies last year and instituting a strategic plan to grow the medical school enrollment.

Reporting to the Chancellor Michael Amiridis, Barish will oversee the 495-bed UIC hospital, as well as numerous clinics and health centers operated by UIC. He will also be responsible for seven health science colleges located on the UIC campus and at regional campuses in Rockford, Peoria, Quad Cities, Urbana and Springfield. These include the School of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health, Applied Health Sciences and Social Work.