Dr. Ricci Sanchez & Andy Sanchez
Who we are?
Dr. Sanchez is a graduate of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health. Her Dissertation: "Are We Delivering on the Promise of Patient-Centered Care? An Exploratory Primary Care Case Study,” represents the passion of her 24 year career in Health Care.
Her most recent position was Chief Operating Officer at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO which is the flagship hospital of the Saint Luke's Health System.
Her career also includes the Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, AZ and the Harris Health System in Houston, TX where she now resides with her husband, Andy.
In the Fall of 2019, imaging confirmed that Dr. Sanchez had younger onset Alzheimer’s disease, a rare form of Alzheimer’s that affects adults younger than 65. This rare form of Alzheimer’s disease only represents about 5% of individuals diagnosed.
Virtual High Five
June is Alzheimer’s disease and dementia awareness month.
Walking Hand in Hand
“Breaking Through”
Last November, Dr. Ricci Sanchez & Andy Sanchez participated in the first ever, National Alzheimer’s Buddies Virtual Symposium, “Breaking Through.” In their family testimonial they agreed that the diagnosis initially “knocked them down,” they shared their journey to how they adjusted to the changes, found a support system, and managed their finances. They both also describe the importance of the work that is done by National Alzheimer’s Buddies and other organizations, who have dedicated their mission to Alzheimer’s Disease and provide patient-centered resources. Andy Sanchez closes off their story by stating that “only research will lead to the first survivor, and discovery and research can only happen through awareness, advocacy, and action.”
More coverage of this event can be found on our website blog, NAB Host First Virtual Symposium.
