"Always Hug Me" - Dolls For Alzheimer's Project

Natalia Nowakowski is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Piotr Nowakowski.

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Hello! My name is Natalia, and I'm a senior in High School, a National Honor Society (NHS) member, and a Certified Nursing Assistant. Valentine’s Day is an amazing opportunity to share the joy, so for this year's service project, "Always Hug Me," I will raise funds to purchase soft body baby dolls for senior residents in the middle and late stages of dementia at a local nursing home, Symphony of Buffalo Grove. I want to initiate doll therapy, an excellent, non-pharmacological way to address challenging behaviors that naturally arise in dementia. Research has found that baby dolls increase smiling, social interaction, and the ability to receive care in people living with Alzheimer's. At the same time, the dolls decrease anxiety, agitation, and obsessive behaviors, bringing back memories of early parenting. I’m a strong believer in the therapeutic properties of dolls, and as a lifelike reborn doll artist since 2016, I help women overcome trauma after child loss and regain the feeling of purpose in their lives. Now, my goal is to gift senior residents their very own dolls that they can get attached to and be comforted by in their day-to-day struggles. Your contribution will help me implement this project and leave an everlasting impact on the lives of people coping with Alzheimer's disease. Thank you for your donation on behalf of all who receive the dolls and me.

Additional Information: My dad, Piotr Nowakowski, fully supports me in this service project. He will handle the funds and purchase the dolls for the residents at a long term care facility on my behalf.