http://www.facebook.com/WestfieldOldOrchard

The Alzheimer’s Association,® Greater Illinois Chapter has been selected to participate in this year’s Festival of Trees display at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie. One of 10 uniquely decorated trees, the Alzheimer’s Association evergreen will be on display through December 24 for passersby to enjoy and select as their favorite.

To vote, visitors must retrieve a gold coin from a machine located at the display, which is near the Koi pond at the north end of the center, and place it in the box designated for the organization. The nonprofit with the most gold coins will be announced on Old Orchard’s Facebook page at the end of the month and will receive a $1,500 donation.

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http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/december2012/year_review.asp

As the end of 2012 draws near, the Alzheimer’s Association,® Greater Illinois Chapter has much to look back on. From our educational programs to our signature fundraiser, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, this year has lead us considerably further down the path to a world without Alzheimer’s.

The following figures highlight the impact of our Association throughout the 68 Illinois counties we serve:

• To date, nearly $1.8 million has been raised in the 17 Walk to End Alzheimer’s throughout the Greater Illinois Chapter area. 11,285 people registered and walked in support of our mission. Fundraising is open through the end of year.

• More than 85,000 people used our services, received information, visited our Website or attended our programs during the past year.
• A total of 7,997 calls came in to our 24-hour Helpline.
• 5,102 people attended support groups
• More than 10,500 people attended our education programs and conferences
• 260 new individuals were enrolled in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association® Safe Return program; bringing the total number enrolled to 3,674.

These numbers truly show the importance of our work, but even more compelling are testimonials from people who have found guidance and resources at one of the most trying times in their lives. Here one woman shares her story.

My name is Jane Brook and my husband Geoff was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2010 at the age of 67. I want to share how the Alzheimer’s Association has been such a help as Geoff and I navigate the twists and turns of this disease and its impact on our lives and our future.
The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline has been a source of answers and reassurances for us. It was also through the Alzheimer’s Association that I learned about Medic Alert + Safe Return, a live 24-hour emergency response for wandering and medical emergencies. I came to need this service earlier this year when Geoff wandered from our home. He was thankfully located several hours later.
Geoff and I have also been involved in an early stage support group in the area near Rockford where we live. I have recently started taking the educational program, Living with Alzheimer’s: For Middle-Stage Caregivers. As our time together changes, I find that this support group is offering me realistic and caring recommendations to be the caregiver I want and need to be. I am blessed with a strong support system in my family and friends to help me as the caregiver. However, I find the Alzheimer’s Association has the expertise necessary for us to walk the path that Geoff’s illness requires.

Please consider an end-of-year donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. The need is great and more people like Jane and Geoff need services and support. Click here for more information about the services or offerings of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter.

Read more >>   http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/december2012/year_review.asp

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