Written by Phillip Kaplan, “Losing Sandi” is a new play about a woman living with Alzheimer’s and how it affects her and those who love her.
It will premiere June 12 at Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Helen Haddad Hall, 315 Franklin St., Columbus. There will be a reception at 5:30 p.m. with food and drinks catered by Angottis Italian Restaurant and a silent auction, followed by a staged reading performance by Jan Grimm, Doug Stender and Maria Argentina Souza.
For sponsors, there will be a special preview performance at 4 p.m. June 11 with a meet-and-greet with the actors and playwright to follow. All proceeds will go toward supporting Sandi’s Closet. To become a sponsor, email [email protected].
Tickets for this event may be purchased for $50 online at eventbrite.com/e/losing-sandi-tickets-602792908817.
Jill Tasker has created a nonprofit charity inspired by her mother, Sandi Hinshaw, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Sandi’s Closet is a free popup shop for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This program is delivered at memory care units and adult day care providers and to the community at large.
“When it was no longer possible for my mother to go shopping — her favorite activity — I set up a shop in my home, and she had so much fun,” Tasker said. “Her happy feelings lasted for hours. I thought I would create this experience for others with dementia so they could enjoy shopping for themselves for their loved ones. Currently, we serve six facilities in Columbus and Bloomington. Money raised will help us expand and serve in more communities.”
Individuals living with dementia may experience changes in their ability to participate in daily activities, and concerns for their safety also can contribute to limitations in their lives.
Yet despite changes in memory, problem-solving and other thinking skills, an individual living with dementia can still enjoy life and experience the world around them, even in ways that might enhance their changing communication abilities.
With more than 47 million people worldwide now living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, there is a growing need to create inclusive and stimulating environments.
At Sandi’s Closet, participants can choose from a wide variety of items, including scarves, jewelry, neckties, hats, picture books and more. For each item, they “pay” with play money. The feelings of happiness linger for hours, providing therapeutic benefits for both participants and caregivers.