Plaid for Pops is an organization and club at the University of Cincinnati that was started in honor of my grandfather Scott Eves. Following my grandpa's Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2014 and his passing in 2019, my Nana purchased 10 tie-felt blankets, one for each of her grandchildren. As we gathered in the living room to create these blankets, the experience left an indelible mark on me. The next weekend, we gathered together and donated the blankets to Alzheimer's residents at a nearby nursing home. The joy we brought to their faces profoundly impacted me and inspired the inception of Plaid for Pops.
My grandpa, a gentle soul who faced the challenges of Alzheimer's with unwavering resilience and grace, served as my primary source of inspiration. Witnessing his daily struggles fueled my determination to take meaningful action. The warmth and comfort provided by handmade blankets became my way of establishing a compassionate connection with those navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's, much like my grandpa did. His journey instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to making a positive impact. The establishment of Plaid for Pops aimed not only to honor my grandpa's memory but also to extend a comforting touch to others in the Alzheimer's community. Through this organization and club, my goal is to offer support symbolized by handcrafted blankets, reflecting care, compassion, and the enduring strength of those affected by Alzheimer's.