A Mother Facing Early-Stage Alzheimer’s

After many years of tests, misdiagnoses and frustration, Kathy Murray, a mother of two, learned she had younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2009. She was just 56 years old. Read Kathy’s inspiring story.

Today Kathy is a member of our national Early-Stage Advisory Group, a council that helps the Alzheimer’s Association® to provide appropriate services for people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s, raise awareness about early-stage issues and advocate with legislators to increase funding for research and support programs. Kathy has joined forces with the Association to fight for a better future for her children and grandchildren.

Celebrate a Mom Today

If a mother you love has Alzheimer’s or is caring for someone who does, this Mother’s Day, May 13, is the perfect opportunity to celebrate her and the special relationship you have together:

  • Donate: Honor her with a tribute or memorial gift to the Alzheimer’s Association.
  • Create a Web page in her honor: Use our online tribute tool to share her story with family and friends. Through your own special site, others can share their memories and make online gifts to help support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Kathy recently compared Alzheimer’s and motherhood: “They’re not always smooth journeys — you pray for your family that in the face of all of the uncertainties, the joys will outweigh all the trials.”

Please take a moment today to honor the journeys of a special mother in your life.

Many thanks,

Angela Geiger

Angela Geiger
Chief Strategy Officer

Volunteers help make a difference in Alzheimer’s fight

Volunteers help make a difference in Alzheimer’s fight

Alzheimer’s Association volunteers are passionate, inspired and want to make a difference. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or can make a more significant time commitment, please consider becoming a volunteer in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities >>
Find your local chapter >>

Growing Alzheimer’s awareness in the Asian community

Growing Alzheimer’s awareness in the Asian community

In order to accommodate a growing number of Asian-Americans searching for basic information about Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving, the Alzheimer’s Association has launched a new website with content in Chinese (traditional), Korean, Vietnamese and Japanese. With resources in English as well, family members can review information together about getting a diagnosis, behaviors, treatments and more.
Visit the new Asian and Pacific Islanders website >>

Advocates make their voices heard in our nation’s capital

Advocates make their voices heard in our nation’s capital

More than 700 Alzheimer’s advocates representing all 50 states took part in the 2012 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum last week. Visit the Advocacy Forum site for highlights and images from a momentous gathering in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about the 2012 Advocacy Forum >>
Sign our petition >>

Read the article on Forum honorees Pat and Tyler Summitt >>

Honor someone special this Memorial Day

Alzheimer’s disease does not just affect the person with the disease…it affects families…it affects friendships…it affects many lives. The Greater Illinois Chapter invites you to honor someone special on our online tribute wall. Besides honoring a loved one who has the disease, you can show your appreciation to a caregiver who goes the extra mile; thank a health care professional who assures your care; or a volunteer who selflessly gives their time. This is the perfect way to show you care on Memorial Day Weekend.

Tribute wall >>