A Heart for Helping Others

Margot Sheridan with Brenda Long, Executive Director, Great Opportunities

Intelligent. Articulate. Compassionate. All describe 14-year old Margot Sheridan, a young lady with a heart for helping others. As Student Council President, Margot has organized several fundraisers benefiting Great Opportunities Adult Day Services, one of the Geneva Charitable Programs.

In addition to raising money for Smile Train, breast cancer research, and school functions, Margot and her classmates at Saint Joan of Arc Elementary School, have hosted “Apples for Alzheimer’s” a fundraiser selling a variety of apples, (kindly donated by Affy Tapple in Niles, IL), with all proceeds benefiting Great Opportunities Adults Day Services in Skokie, IL. More than just a fundraiser, “Apples for Alzheimer’s” has become a mission close to Margot’s heart.

In 2007, Margot’s grandmother, Carole, began demonstrating advanced symptoms of Alzheimer’s. As Alzheimer’s progressed, Margot’s family realized they needed additional help in caring for Carole’s specific needs. Upon a referral from their Parish, they learned of Great Opportunities, and found within the support Carole required. “My grandma loved going to Great Opportunities” Margot recalls with a smile. “Great Opportunities is all she talked about, all day long, from the minute she woke up.”

Great Opportunities Adult Day Services cares for senior citizens with cognitive or behavioral conditions that require skilled attention. By providing need-specific activities and personalized healthcare services, Great Opportunities offers peace-of-mind to family caregivers and a safe, nurturing environment for participants.

Carole, loved life, cherished being with others, enjoyed dancing, singing, and field trips---activities she was able to continue participating in throughout her three years with Great Opportunities. The care, attention, and friendship she received from staff and volunteers at Great Opportunities became the genesis of “Apples for Alzheimer’s” as a means to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and funds for Great Opportunities.

“Great Opportunities means a lot to me,” commented Margot. “Knowing they were taking good care of my grandma, she was happy here. She enjoyed herself. Great Opportunities makes a difficult situation better for people.”