"It's helped put the wind back in my sails," Bordisso, 60, said of receiving official acknowledgment of his efforts to raise awareness of Alzheimer's, particularly the form that affects people younger than 65.
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease which leads to profound memory loss, and other mental and physical deterioration. It usually strikes the elderly.
Bordisso was one of eight people who won a Threads of Hope award through the 19th annual recognition sponsored by Diablo Magazine. He joined many at Orinda Theatre Thursday night for a gala event.
Candidates for the award are first nominated and then winners are picked by a panel of judges which includes many prominent Bay Area figures.
More than three years ago Bordisso was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers. He was just 56 at the time.
A former candidate for the Vallejo City Council and Vallejo City Unified School District, Bordisso has since devoted his life to advocating for those with the disease. He travels often to Sacramento and Washington, advocating for legislation and funding to find a cure.
He has also served as an Early-Stage National Advisor for the Alzheimer's Association, runs workshops for those suffering from the disease and serves on a variety of commissions on the local, state and federal level.
Besides his volunteer efforts, Bordisso said he works hard at maintaining a good attitude and hoping for a better future for himself and others with the disease.
He stressed he does not see himself as a victim.
"I'm so honored to have been selected and I'm humbled," he said.
"It feels like I'm being recognized for something that I like to do anyway. It's an odd combination to be on the receiving end," he added.
Bordisso's life has changed dramatically since he was diagnosed. He had to stop working as a mental health provider for Contra Costa County, stop driving and make other changes.
Other winners of the Threads of Hope awards include Janet Herman, a swim coach who works with Down syndrome children; Lisa Monroe, who helps children with cancer at a special camp; Bonnie Waters, who devotes her time to raising money for cancer research; Bob Hammer, who started the Have a Ball Foundation to raise money for cancer organizations.
In addition, Sandra Wing, who founded Healing Therapies for cancer patients; Robert Pack, who has worked to change state laws to keep repeat DUI offenders off the road and to prevent people form visiting multiple doctors to obtain pain killers; Dave & Lori Sansom, who have devoted many hours to help homeless people get on their feet.
Contact staff writer Sarah Rohrs at srohrs@timesheraldonline.com or (707) 553-6832. Follow her on Twitter @SarahVTH.
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