Cheryl Levin-Folio, a Highland Park native and author, was wanting to offer guidance for those in similar circumstances as hers, being a caregiver to her late husband, when she wrote her book The 24-Hour Rule: Living with Alzheimer’s.
Married later in life, just a short six months after saying their vows to each other in 2012, Cheryl Levin-Folio learned that her new husband, Michael, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s at the young age of 55. “Michael was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012,” she shares. “At that time, we didn’t know what was available to help us. So, the book is of the journey we created in order to preserve Michael’s life and to live our life to the fullest. The book we wrote is called, The 24 Hour Rule: Living with Alzheimer’s. It is available on Amazon and all the proceeds go to Walk to End Alzheimer’s to help find a cure.”
Cheryl will be joining individuals across Chicagoland at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to get closer to a world without Alzheimer’s and all other forms of dementia.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. In Illinois alone, there are more than 230,000 people living with the disease and 383,000 caregivers.
On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.
“The Walk to End Alzheimer’s Promise Garden ceremony is very powerful and moving. If you’ve ever felt alone in this journey you will instantly feel support surrounding you,” states Cheryl.
How You Can Help
Register for Walk to End Alzheimer’s and start a team of friends and family to make a bigger impact. All funds raised through the walk go directly to the care and support of those affected by Alzheimer’s, as well as research to hopefully find the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease.
Better Media Group is leading the fight to end Alzheimer’s by generously offering to match every gift, up to a total of $10,000, raised by participants in the Chicago, Lake County and North Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s events between Sept. 26-30.
“What I really pray for is that no one has to go through this,” shared Cheryl. “Because life should be better at the end of our lives.”
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. For more information, visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.
