Dr Blanch’s passion for dementia care comes from 10 years experience caring for his wife since her diagnosis of early onset Alzheimers. His journey has made him a self-proclaimed expert in the field.

He graduated from BYU Magna Cum Laude in 1970 and from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1974. He returned to the University Affiliated Hospitals from 1974 to 1979 to complete a residency in Ear Nose and Throat and Surgery of the Head and Neck. In 1986 he founded MegaDyne Medical Products which became one of the largest electrosurgical companies in the country and a recognized authority in the surgical application of radiofrequency energy. In addition to his practice of surgery he has been active in church, civic and humanitarian endeavors. His greatest joy and accomplishments have been with Lynette by his side. Raising their 6 children, serving as a mission president for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1995 to 1998 and then returning later as the Area Medical Advisor for the North America West Area.. They have 6 children, 23 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and the legacy continues. He enjoys running, motorcycle riding, family activities and travel.

Dr Blanch made several commitments to Lynette through the course of this tragic disease. Among others, he promised to forever promote her comfort and preserve her dignity. He now sees a great need to help others in similar situations. To the best of his ability he desires to provide counsel and hope in helping as they navigate their way through this grief stricken journey.

More on Dr Blanch’s journey:

https://medicine.utah.edu/alumni/news-events/2011/blanch.php

Katie’s education in Alzheimer’s and Dementia related illness comes from participating in care for her mother Lynette K Blanch. Katie has a health and wellness background; RYT-200 hours yoga certified, STOTT pilates, TRX and has worked in fitness, wellness and healthcare for a combined 20 years. She holds an undergraduate degree from BYU and more recently completed her Masters of Business Administration at the University of Utah (2021).

Katie began the event that led to the Charity/Foundation’s inception in 2015. The original Lynden Legacy Midway Turkey Trot 5k was started as a 10k in 2002 with just friends and family. The events, and the Foundation have grown to include the Lynden Legacy Pumpkin Patch at Summerhouse Farms. Both events are held in the beautiful Heber Valley, UT; 100% of the proceeds go to Lynden Legacy Foundation. Katie hopes to be able to help others finding themselves in a supporting role caring for loved ones with dementia. She continues to love living by raising her 4 kids, skiing, hiking, climbing and riding motorcycles.

Suzette’s passion is to help caregivers by providing resources, support and respite. Her aim is to enhance family wellness for those tending to a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Suzette has a background in nursing and a combined 14 years of experience as a private caregiver, care coordinator and currently; Patient Relations Specialist at The University Hospital. She completed a gerontology practicum at Jewish Family Service (2018) where she helped strengthen the lives of seniors from all backgrounds throughout the community. Suzette achieved a technical nursing license, completing clinical rotations at Duke University Hospital. She graduated from BYU in family studies with an emphasis in human development (2004). She holds a graduate certificate in gerontology at The University of Utah School of Nursing, with a focus in care management (2017).

Past volunteer experience includes serving the people of southern Taiwan as a welfare missionary (1990-1992); facilitating school programs and events at The Waterford School (2000-2010); and serving hospitalized children with emotional and developmental needs as a member of the Kids Crew, Primary Children’s Hospital (2010-2014). Suzette continues to study Mandarin and enjoys Pilates, hiking, traveling, cooking and spending time with family

Kim’s passion for helping Alzheimer and Dementia caregivers comes from personal experience caring for her mom, Phyllis Shaw, who battled this horrific disease for 10 years. Phyllis died in 2012 at the age of 63.

The Shaw family has participated in the Walk To End Alzheimer’s as Team Momma since 2011.

Kim is currently Utah’s ambassador to Representative Blake Moore for the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, this gives her the opportunity to advocate in Washington DC for Alzheimer and Dementia related legislation. She understands the difficult job that caregivers have and wants to help and support others as they navigate through the challenges of caregiving.

Kim has an Undergraduate Degree from Weber State University & has worked for Delta Airlines since 1995. In her free time, Kim loves being with her family and friends, traveling, and volunteering at the animal shelter.