MDR Champagne Center for Brain Health Grand Opening

As one toured the highly anticipated MDR Champagne Center for Brain Health, the sense of accomplishment for all involved could be felt. This heartfelt project has been years in the making. “It feels like home,” was unanimously stated with pride by the faculty.

The grand opening took place on Thursday, May 21. An intimate crowd attended to tour the fresh space while speaking one-on-one with various members of the board, staff, Rene and Tish Champagne, Denise Rose, and Dr. Paul Nussbaum.

For an organization with humble beginnings at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, a place of their very own was a long time coming. “In terms of fundraising and building up to this, it’s a big step!” said volunteer board member and public relations director for MDR Kevin Byrnes.

Dr. Nussbaum echoed Byrnes’ sentiment. “It’s such a terrific feeling because it is home. We’ve been a bit scattered before this, and it has been hard to communicate with one another in an integrated way. We were always trying to take care of Aunt Martha.” His beloved name in reference to the participants of the program, “Now we are here under one roof. The community of Marco Island is gracious and always made sure we had a place, but now we have a home.”

The MDR Champagne Center for Brain Health is located at 40 Heathwood Drive on the second floor of building B, adjacent to the new NCH Urgent Care, and offers a vast program space for the variety of sessions.

There is a modern dining room where local artist Bruce Robertson created a beautiful piece of custom art: The Friendship Tree. The project itself took him four months to complete. He proudly pointed out that each leaf represents a participant in the program and there are plans for their names to be added, “It makes it feel even more personal,” he said.

There is a fully operational kitchen, where the JW Marriott, Kretch’s, Hoots, and Hideaway Beach are among the generous local meal sponsors for lunches.

There are also administrative spaces and dedicated offices for Dr. Nussbaum and other faculty staff.

A warm and comfortable room is dedicated to caregivers, where therapeutic groups and grief share opportunities are available. Both Dr. Nussbaum and Director of Operations Stephanie Bean shared the value of being able to offer this space for caregivers. “They tend not to think about themselves,” said Nussbaum.

During the sessions, Bean explained that caregivers can stay with their loved one, choose to attend a support group session, or they can run errands. “The participants' time here is a gift for them, too. They know their loved one is safe and can take a moment,” she said.

A statistic was shared that for every person diagnosed with dementia, there are three caregivers. With 7 million reported having Alzheimer's in the country, that makes 21 million Caregivers. A third of them are suffering from depression and anxiety. A place for them to share experiences or a moment for themselves is vital to ensure their own mental health, which directly affects their loved one.

Nussbaum’s office is always open. “I do the diagnostic clinical exams here and can help with treatment plans.” He emphasized the importance of guiding people in the right direction, making sure they feel heard, and stressed the importance of education. He pointed at a large chart on the wall that can be seen throughout MDR’s educational materials. Dr. Nussbaum calls it his ‘swoosh.’ It is a pie chart that is comprised of equal parts nutrition, socialization, physical activity, mental stimulation, and spirituality.

“For everybody that has dementia, there are just as many who are experiencing some forgetfulness. They don’t know what to do or where to start.” He thanked the Coastal Breeze News for their assistance in publishing valuable information on the matter. It is an excellent starting point for people who can then reach out directly for information on the next step. It is evident among the faculty to uphold a mission of ensuring no one feels alone.

Board member and treasurer Claire Babrowski shared her gratitude to the community and to the Champagnes, whose generosity created the ability for the center. “We have our own space now, but it still limits us.” She explained that they currently have a waitlist. “Which is what drove us to the strategy of brain health. Our physical capacity may limit us, but our ability to promote brain health and educate people in the community is limitless!”

A typical schedule for participants starts in the program space which has different themes each week. Examples are talks on the differences between turtles and tortoises, hometowns, or baseball. There are games played and then a break lunch. The afternoon is finished with exercise, crafts, bingo, or cornhole, and music. Each class is limited to 12 participants with three volunteers and a home health aide to assist.

Board member and community relations director Denise Rose praised the craftsmanship of the new center by Tom Christian Construction, along with the clear and clean signs completed by The Sign Artist, “Everybody that walks in says it is so cute and unbelievable. They are over the moon! The center is clean, crisp, and spacious!”

Benefactors Rene and Tish Champagne gave a few remarks to the guests, beginning with how proud they are to be involved. “With Dr. Nussbaum and the group in general, we are almost positive that they can assist people at any stage they are at. And to do it at no charge is even more important!” Rene thanked the many people within the community and the volunteers that have come forward.

Tish acknowledged that for many on the Island, going over the bridge for treatment can be a chore. “We wanted to give people the opportunity to stay here and get ‘Triple A’ medical treatment.”

On the topic of education, Dr. Nussbaum excitedly shared that 87 people attended the first free memory screening, with the youngest being 40! “The earlier we can get the word out, the better we are in terms of what we believe.” He referred to his ‘swoosh’ pie chart, “All of these things matter and we are going to continue to push the envelope to get out there into our community.”

“Aunt Martha is the center of our world, and there are many out there. We're dealing at the most serious level of people's lives, and when they come here, they're afraid. They've gone through a lot. When you come into this center, the one thing I want you to leave with is hope. That's the most important medicine we have. There is hope!”

Nussbaum and the caring team pledged, “We are here for you and for your loved ones. We will not leave your side. No matter what you're challenged by, we will show you that there is quality of life for you. This center is an honor of a lifetime and we are going to work hard to make you proud.”

Through the work of the dedicated team, the volunteers, and the education provided, the MDR Champagne Center for Brain Health is making it easier for people to acknowledge that they have an issue and be guided every step of the way afterward.