Photo courtesy of Sam Karow
In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month this June, the Alzheimer’s Association is turning the Chicago Skyline purple this week thru June 10. Few cities can boast a skyline as iconic as that of Chicago’s: powerful buildings that display how the city rose from the ashes of the 1871 Chicago Fire, the city later becoming known for inventing the skyscraper. Two buildings that shine brightly during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month are the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower, 1,450 ft.) and the John Hancock Center (1,128 ft.), both completed in the 1970s thanks to an architect named Bruce Graham, who passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s in 2010.
Graham became the renowned architect of the iconic skyline duo of the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center, combining great height with a touch of magic. The Willis Tower, located on Wacker Drive, along with Michigan Avenue’s John Hancock Center, have lit up the Chicago Skyline, going purple during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in support of all those affected by the disease.
The Chicago skyline was illuminated purple to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month (June) and The Longest Day. From Sunday, June 4 to June, June 10, buildings were encouraged to light the signature color of the Alzheimer’s Association and display the slogan “ENDALZ.” The initiative was spearheaded by our Illinois Chapter Concern and Awareness Committee in partnership with the Building Owners and Manager Association of Chicago (BOMA). Their Illuminate Chicago Lighting Program was created ten years ago to build support for charitable causes. We are grateful for their support as we raise funds and awareness to put an end to Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Participating buildings and businesses include Soldier Field, Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Prudential Plaza, Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Navy Pier (Ferris Wheel), United Center, Salesforce Tower, Brittanica Building, Merchandise Mart, and 311 South Wacker.
Throughout June, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering additional programs and events to raise Alzheimer’s awareness and to promote brain health...
· Free stage play VIP Reception: Unforgettable – June 9 at 6:30 P.M. at DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center 740 East 56th Place Chicago, IL 60637: This will be an “Unforgettable” night. Meet Alzheimer’s Association CEO, Dr. Joanne Pike, and engage with community organizations and partners, and learn about the Association’s strategies in bridging the health disparities gap for those populations disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Special performance by ADRIAN CRUTCHFIELD (adriancrutchfield.com) http://bit.ly/UnforgettableVIP_Reception
· Free stage play: Unforgettable. The dynamic and emotional play showcases the effects of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center on June 10 at 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. 740 East 56th Place Chicago, IL 60637 You must register for free tickets at: https://unforgettableplay.com.
· Fight the Darkness of Alzheimer’s on the Day with the Most Light – The Longest Day. The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. On June 21, people from across the world will fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice. Whether you’re participating at home, online or in-person, we have plenty of fun ideas to engage family and friends in The Longest Day. Throughout the month and culminating on June 21, Longest Day participants will bake, bike, hike, golf, knit, play bridge and participate in other favorite activities to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information and to register: visit alz.org/thelongestday.
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease — a leading cause of death in the United States. About 1 in 9 people (10.7%) age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s dementia. Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of death – Deaths due to Alzheimer’s have increased an alarming 145% since 2000 – 13% here in Illinois. Older Black Americans are twice as likely and Hispanic American are one-half more likely to have Alzheimer’s or dementia. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Illinois, there are more than 233,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and more than 312,000 family members and friends caring for them.
Comments