Aimee Nolan’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 55 years old. At the time, Aimee was living out of state with two young children of her own, so her grandmother stepped in as caregiver — supporting Aimee’s mother until her passing at 62. Heartbreakingly, Aimee’s grandmother died just 10 days later, perhaps with the comfort of knowing her caregiving journey was complete.
Now the same age her mother was at diagnosis, Aimee is a mother of two herself and determined to change the trajectory of this disease — not only for her children, but for the millions of families like hers. Through her advocacy with the Alzheimer’s Association, Aimee is channeling her personal loss into hope, action, and fundraising. And thanks to a generous matching grant from the Make It Better Foundation and other donors, every gift made through June 15 to support this work will be matched up to $35,000 — doubling the impact for families facing Alzheimer’s today.
Aimee’s experience has led her to become a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association. where she now serves on the National Board of Directors and previously chaired the Illinois Women Conquer ALZ (IWCA) initiative. Through storytelling and leadership, she has become a tireless advocate for the more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and the millions more who care for them.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Aimee was honored with the Champion Award at the second annual Power of Purple: A Reason to Hope Luncheon, held March 13, 2025, at the Fairmont Chicago. More than 500 guests attended the inspiring event, which raised a record-breaking $500,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
Hosted by Jeanne Sparrow of WVAZ (V-103) and WGN-TV Anchor Ray Cortopassi, the luncheon spotlighted the challenges faced by caregivers and the promise of new developments in Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Rebecca M. Edelmayer, Ph.D., and David Gates, Ph.D., shared key updates during an expert-led discussion. Musical guest Opal Staples added a powerful emotional note with an original song dedicated to those affected by the disease.
The second annual Health System Award was presented at the event to Rush for their partnership in advancing Alzheimer’s and dementia research and connecting more people to critical resources and education. Dr. Robert Higgins, President of Rush University, Chief Academic Officer, and Chief Clinical Officer, accepted the award and said, “We value and appreciate the Alzheimer’s Association’s recognition of these efforts, and we are proud to support their research and clinical work in the future.”
The Association also recognized two remarkable caregivers for their service: Katie Fielmann (Professional Caregiver Award) and Ramona Liza Murillo (Family & Friend Caregiver Award), representing the nearly 12 million Americans who provide unpaid care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
Throughout the event, the theme of hope resonated powerfully. As Aimee shared at the event, “I have hope that my daughters will not have to experience what I did. I have hope today because of the work we do with the Alzheimer’s Association. I have hope because of the treatments that now exist and more that are in the pipeline. I have hope because you are all in this room today, bringing critical support and raising awareness for this disease.”
How To Help
The Make It Better Foundation, along with other generous donors, has agreed to match all gifts up to $35,000 from now until June 15. Make a gift today that will be matched to support the critical work of the Alzheimer’s Association and honor all those living with the disease. To support and learn more about the event, please visit PowerAndHope25.givesmart.com.
The Alzheimer’s Association is leading the way to ending Alzheimer’s and all other dementias by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Learn more and get involved at the Alzheimer’s Association.
