With 50 million people living with Alzheimer’s worldwide, the Alzheimer’s Association is a crucial organization in the fight against this disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is the biggest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research in the country and leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and dementia by accelerating global research, promoting early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
The Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, serves over 80 counties in Illinois and provides care and support to the nearly one million residents affected by Alzheimer’s disease, including 220,000 people with the disease. More recently, the Illinois chapter released a special report: “Race, Ethnicity, and Alzheimer’s in America,” which has highlighted the need for more culturally competent care and resources for patients of color and their caregivers.
In a virtual discussion on lifelong learning, hosted by Better, Delia Jervier, executive director of the Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, emphasized the importance of medical equity.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest showed that many institutions had to confront the long-standing issues of race and inequity,” Jervier said. “When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, the same is true.”
Donations are an essential component to the association’s work. The Alzheimer’s Association hosted three major fundraising events from April to September, culminating in a total of $1,154,439 raised for Alzheimer’s research, early detection, and care.
In April, the association raised $230,000 during their virtual “Reason to Hope” event featuring powerful testimonies from individuals facing Alzheimer’s. The one-hour event drew in more than 500 attendees for an inspiring evening.
In June, the association teamed up with Illinois Women Conquer ALZ to host the fourth annual “Power of Purple” event to highlight Alzheimer’s unique impact on women, raising $58,000. Meredith Marks, celebrity jewelry designer and cast member of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” was a guest speaker and Jeanne Sparrow, on-air personality from V103/WVAZ Chicago emceed the virtual event.
Their most recent fundraiser, “The Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” took place on October 9 and attracted 1500 attendees to Soldier Field. The fundraiser was a massive success, raising an impressive $866,439—a number that has the potential to change the lives of 230,000 people impacted by Alzheimers and all other forms of dementia.
Donate today to help Alzheimer’s Association continue its critical work.
Sponsors of the Alzheimer’s Association fundraisers include: Bankers Life, Dentons, The Clare, Dober, SEIU, Grant Thornton, The Jachino Family, The Hogerty Family, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Northwestern Medicine, Villa, Artis Senior Living of Lakeview, Amy Sunshine, Greenberg Traurig, Jessica’s Natural Touch, Moran Family of Brands, and the Nolan Family, Make It Better Media Group, The McEssy Family, Amsive, Griffith Foods, Perfect Plastic Printing, Horizon Wealth Management, Katten, Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC, The Lissner Family, Monarch Landing, Sedgebrook, Bartlett Wealth Management, The Convery Family, Culture Index LLC, The Raymont Group, James J. Jacqualine A. McDonough Foundation
For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association, visit their website.
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Melissa Perry is a senior journalism and international studies major from Northwestern University. Raised in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, Melissa is a proud Midwest girl through and through with a lifelong love for dance and the arts!
