April 17, 2012

GoodJob: Alzheimer’s Association’s Travis Roderick

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Travis Roderick is an Alzheimer's Association assistant Walk coordinator. (Courtesy of Alzheimer's Association)

What do you do? I’m the assistant walk coordinator [for the Alzheimer's Association's local chapter]. We sponsor nine Walks to End Alzheimer’s, adding more every year! It’s our largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This year, we’re holding Walks in Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bremerton, Sequim, Mt. Vernon, Yakima, Ellensburg and Kalama.

What's a typical day like on the job? All our Walks happen in September, but planning happens year-round. Right now, we’re meeting with steering committees, engaging team captains and Walk volunteers ... planning walk site logistics, outreach, and garnering sponsorships.

How would someone else get a job like yours? In college, I did work-study in development for another nonprofit. When I graduated, I was promoted to events recruiter. My adopted Seattle grandmother had Alzheimer’s, so when the job opened at [this] chapter, I knew I wanted to work there. Walk coordination requires a balance of logistics planning, relationship development and staying organized. My background is in theater, so I apply a lot of what I learned there to Walk management.

What's the best part of your job? Knowing that what I do really makes a difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s. On Walk days, when I see all of the people and the impact we have on their lives, that’s when I can say, “This is why I do what I do." The Walks are celebrations.

What surprises people about your job? People assume that Alzheimer’s is a disease that only affects older people, but a growing number of people we serve have younger-onset Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and are in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.

--NWjobs staff

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4 Comments

Samantha on April 17, 2012 10:37 AM | Reply

What a great job! Thank you for what you do!

Cait on April 17, 2012 11:57 AM | Reply

Travis, you rock!!!!!

Tierney on April 17, 2012 12:10 PM | Reply

So proud of you Travis and all that you do!!! It's such a pleasure to work with you and see all that goes into such a wonderful event!

THANK YOU!

Diane on April 18, 2012 3:53 AM | Reply

It is such a wonderful thing you are doing Travis. You are a great person and I admire you for your strengths and dedication to such a wonderful cause.

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