The UCSF Fresno Alzheimer’s & Memory Center presents a special, free screening of “Alive Inside”

FRESNO – The UCSF Fresno Alzheimer’s & Memory Center will present a special, free screening of the 2014 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winning documentary Alive Inside at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 in the auditorium at the UCSF Fresno Center for Medical Education and Research, located at 155 North Fresno Street. Free parking is available in Lot 10.

This film is a joyous cinematic exploration of music’s capacity to reawaken our souls and uncover the deepest parts of our humanity. Filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett chronicles the astonishing experiences of individuals around the country who have been revitalized through the simple experience of listening to music. His camera reveals the uniquely human connection we find in music and how its healing power can triumph where prescription medication falls short. Rossato-Bennett visits family members who have witnessed the miraculous effects of personalized music on their loved ones.

“Music gives us the ability to reach a population that might otherwise be unreachable,” said Rossato-Bennet. “It allows us to touch hearts and ignite souls. Through music, we can help the old and the aging sustain their humanity and by doing so, inevitably, we’ll prove our own.”

In light of this incredible film and the astounding results achieved by sharing music with those who are living with Alzheimer’s, UCSF Fresno Alzheimer’s & Memory Center, along with Oakmont of Fresno Assisted Living and Memory Care, will kick off Fresno’s first “iPods for Alzheimer’s” project.  Donations of new and gently used iPods are requested to be distributed to seniors in skilled nursing and other memory care communities.

Drop off locations:

UCSF Fresno Alzheimer’s & Memory Center
6137 N. Thesta Avenue, Suite 101B, Fresno, CA 93710 (559) 227-4810

Oakmont of Fresno Assisted Living & Memory Care 5605 N. Gates Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722
(559) 277-5959

Schools, businesses, churches and other community groups interested in collecting iPods on behalf of the project, please contact Laurie Heckman, Marketing Director at Oakmont of Fresno, at (559)277-5959 to schedule a pick up.

Donations of iTunes gift cards are also welcome.

“We take our used electronic devices for granted. I have an iPod I never use just sitting in a drawer. Little did I know it held the power to change and enrich a senior’s life,” said Laurie Heckman, Director of Marketing at Oakmont of Fresno.

Cash contributions are also appreciated. The Alzheimer’s & Memory Center is a non-profit program of the University of California, San Francisco, Fresno Medical Education Program and the primary sources of funding are grants and community donations. All funds stay in Fresno for use at the Alzheimer's & Memory Center. Checks should be made payable to: UC Regents, UCSF Fresno Alzheimer’s & Memory Center, 6137 N. Thesta Avenue, Suite 101B, Fresno, CA 93710.