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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Don’t miss this special gift offer – Alzheimer’s disease

Spring is a season of hope, and together with friends like you, we’re working toward our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease. On behalf of everyone at the Alzheimer’s Association, we sincerely appreciate your support.
That’s why we’d like to send you our purple journal to show our thanks for your gift of $25 or more.
Everyone with a brain is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s. But everyone can help to end this epidemic — including you. That’s why we need your support to make an impact in the fight against this deadly disease.
Please give today to receive our purple journal as a token of our appreciation. On behalf of the millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s, thank you for your help.

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Greater Illinois Chapter magazine

Read about some of the latest advances in Alzheimer’s disease research and highlights from our International Conference in our annual research issue of Impact, the Greater Illinois Chapter magazine.

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