We need your voice, too! – Alzheimer’s

This year, with Illinois’ government locked in a standoff, we need you to join us at the Illinois Action Summit on April 14. We need your help to strengthen our push to protect critical services for people and families facing Alzheimer’s, and to make sure that they are not forgotten by politicians in Springfield.

Join the Alzheimer’s Association
Let’s work to make Illinois a dementia-capable state!

Join us for the 2016 Illinois Action Summit in Springfield, where as an Alzheimer’s awareness advocate you will have the opportunity to speak with legislators and draw critical attention to the advancement of Alzheimer’s public policies. Be a catalyst for change in Illinois and ensure that the needs of Alzheimer’s patients, family members, and caregivers are addressed.

Illinois Action Summit Itinerary

At the beginning of the summit, you will receive a briefing on the Association’s policy priorities for 2016 as well as messages to carry to legislators throughout the afternoon. The Alzheimer’s Association will also provide appropriate strategies for a successful visit.

This event provides an opportunity for you to engage with your legislators. Advocates will visit several members of both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives, sharing personal stories and asking lawmakers for their support of active legislation designed to make Illinois a dementia capable state.

In joining this one-day effort, advocates have a chance to change the lives of nearly one million Illinois residents impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. Alongside key policy-makers who share a common vision for this cause, each individual has the capacity to make an incredible impact on how lawmakers address Alzheimer’s disease and respond to this ever-growing epidemic.

Transportation to the Capitol will be arranged from a variety of locations, with both lunch and snacks provided.

To register for the 2016 Illinois Action Summit on Thursday, April 14, please click the registration button below. Following registration, you will receive an email confirmation and additional information as the day approaches.

For questions, more information or to register by phone, please contact Andrew Kretschmar at (847)779-6947 or akretschmar@alz.org.

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Marshalls supports the Alzheimer’s Association with in-store fundraising program

From March 6-19, Marshalls customers nationwide will have the opportunity to donate $1, $5 or $10 at checkout to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association and our efforts to advance Alzheimer’s-related care, support and research. The Association thanks Marshalls for its support of our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease.

Marshalls, one of the nation’s leading off-price retailers, joins the Association for a fourth year in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Shoppers who visit Marshalls stores nationwide from March 6 – 19 have the opportunity to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at checkout.

The Association appreciates the continued support from Marshalls. The campaign is part of a larger commitment by the organization which has raised awareness and funds to support our vision for a world without Alzheimer’s disease^® since 2011.

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Volunteer Spotlight

In 2015, the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter engaged 1,996 volunteers who contributed 16,555 hours of community service, with a monetary value totaling
$381,923.00. This is the equivalent of almost 10 full time employees. In this article, we feature one of our Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter volunteers, Amy Noonan.

My Name is Amy Noonan and I am 29 years old. I was born and raised in Decatur, IL where I attended Undergrad at Millikin University. I am currently the District Director of Marketing, Sales, and Engagement for Gardant Management Solutions. We are the largest provider of assisted living in the state of Illinois, and the 14th largest in the country. I love to spend my free time with my husband, Tom, and our fur baby Frank – a 4-year-old Yorkie Poo. When we aren’t at a basketball game (my husband coaches for varsity boys basketball), we are traveling, at a concert, or just spending time with family.

What led to your involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association?
I have been working directly with seniors and those struggling with dementia and Alzheimer’s for 4 years now. I worked at a Skilled Nursing Facility that specialized in Dementia and Alzheimer’s. This is when I got involved with the Alzheimer’s Association.

What are some of your responsibilities as a Decatur Walk Committee Member?
I have been a part of the Decatur Walk Committee for 4 Years. I am currently serving as the committee co-chair, but in the past I was either on the sub- committees or chair of Sponsorship & Marketing. I worked with our local sponsors and businesses as well as distributed marketing material. I would even do some of the interviews on the news and radio!

Why the Alzheimer’s Association?
Although I may not have a direct association with someone with Alzheimer’s – I feel as though I have over 100 Grandparents with what I do – as I am currently the District Director of Marketing for Gardant Management Solutions. I have created relationships with hundreds of seniors and their families – many who have suffered from this terrible disease.

Why should others volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association?
It is such a joy bringing so much awareness to this cause, and each year our walk keeps growing and growing. You never know who has been affected by Alzheimer’s. Don’t wait until you do have a personal connection, let’s stop it before it starts! We need more volunteers and financial support so we can fund the research to find a cure.

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Alzheimer’s Association mourns death of former first lady and Alzheimer’s champion

The Alzheimer’s Association was saddened to learn of the passing of former first lady and Alzheimer’s advocate Nancy Reagan. Mrs. Reagan was a long-standing honorary member of the Alzheimer’s Association National Board of Directors, and her involvement in the cause inspired the Alzheimer’s community of families, caregivers and researchers.

Alzheimer’s Association mourns death of former first lady and Alzheimer’s disease champion

The Alzheimer’s Association was saddened to learn of the passing of former first lady and Alzheimer’s advocate Nancy Reagan. Mrs. Reagan was a long-standing honorary member of the Alzheimer’s Association National Board of Directors, and her involvement in the cause inspired the Alzheimer’s community of families, caregivers and researchers.

In 1994, President Ronald Reagan shared that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, with an open letter to the American people, writing, “In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.” Following this brave announcement of the diagnosis, Mrs. Reagan used her voice to represent families and increase awareness for Alzheimer’s disease.

“The Alzheimer’s Association mourns the loss of first lady Nancy Reagan. Mrs. Reagan and President Reagan bravely shared his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease with the world in 1994. This was at a time when Alzheimer’s disease was truly in the shadows and together they began to change the conversation about Alzheimer’s disease for millions,” said Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO. “The public disclosure of their Alzheimer’s experience created an enormous and much-needed upsurge of interest in the disease from the general public and government officials. It was our honor to work with Mrs. Reagan over the years to raise awareness and inspire progress in Alzheimer’s research.”

The Alzheimer’s Association offers sincere condolences to the Reagan family. We do not take for granted the amazing influence Mrs. Reagan had as an advocate for the Alzheimer’s cause, and we will continue to aggressively pursue greater awareness, support for families and research that will slow, stop and, ultimately, cure Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit alz.org.

Contact: Alzheimer’s Association
Media line: 312.335.4078
Email: media@alz.org

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Marshalls supports our fight against Alzheimer’s

We have great news from our friends at Marshalls: For the fourth year in a row, Marshalls stores nationwide are getting involved in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease.
Shoppers who visit a Marshalls store between March 6-19 can donate $1, $5 or $10 to the Alzheimer’s Association at checkout.
Every donation supports the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Please join me in thanking Marshalls for its continued support in the fight to end Alzheimer’s.
P.S. Here’s how it works: From March 6 to March 19, 100 percent of donations made at checkout will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information, go to alz.org/marshalls.asp.

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