COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA, April 30, 2024 – The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter has announced JoDee Junkman, of Neola, is the organization’s 2024 New Volunteer of the Year award for her positive impact on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Council Bluffs, last year. Officials said also, Leslie Bielenberg, from the Harlan area, is the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Walk to to End Alzheimer’s award winner, for her leadership and impact on the Walk in Harlan.

Junkman, officials say, “Went above and beyond for the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Council Bluffs as a new committee member. She has carried the yellow caregiver flower in honor of multiple family members, but most recently in honor of her husband Tim. Sadly, Tim passed away shortly after the Walk, and this year JoDee will carry a purple flower in his memory. Her drive to be a support for others and raise funds to end this disease is unwavering. JoDee’s fundraising efforts for the Walk helped Council Bluffs blow its fundraising goal out of the water last year.”

Bielenberg, the organization says “Goes above and beyond every year to help the Walk in Harlan, IA grow. She became the Chair for the Walk in 2023 and helped double the amount of registered walkers and exceed the very high fundraising goal.

The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter thanks Leslie Bielenberg and JoDee Junkman for their service, passion, and dedication as volunteers. All Alzheimer’s Association volunteers are passionate, inspired and want to make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org/iowa/volunteer to learn about volunteer opportunities and how to become a volunteer.

There are nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Iowa alone, there are over 62,000 people living with the disease and nearly 100,000 caregivers.