“It has been a difficult road to accept the effects of the disease,” shares Dan Brophy of his mother’s condition. She was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2015, but Dan and his family noticed symptoms of her condition years earlier. He honors her by hosting an annual fashion fundraiser with the Alzheimer’s Association.
“My family has learned how to navigate the sharp decline in my mother’s memory,” Dan shares. “Over the years, I have learned how to best interact with my mother by providing smiles and love and not letting the pain control my emotions….People who do not have firsthand experience do not realize the other aspects of life it affects. It is something that cannot be stopped. Accepting that is beyond challenging – to accept the deterioration of a loved one’s memory. Because if we do not have our memories, then what do we have?”
Despite its hardships, Dan values the community that his mother’s Alzheimer’s disease has brought to their lives. “My mom has been living at a memory care facility for 5+ years now,” says Dan. “She has received wonderful care and it has been a blessing to meet others with similar conditions.” Dan found encouragement and support by getting involved with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Dan and crew at Fall Catalogue Night 2021
Dan teams up with friends and family to host an annual fundraiser called Fall Catalogue Night, an extravagant fashion event which takes place every autumn in Chicago. “Guests are encouraged to wear their most fashionable attire and attend an evening of live music, auction items, beverages, local art, and community with the goal to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association,” Dan shares. The ninth annual event will be held through The Longest Day, a DIY fundraising program with the Association. It provides a personal fundraising page and year round staff support to guarantee Fall Catalogue Night is successful.
“The event brings together many friends, some of whom have relatives suffering from Alzheimer’s,” says Dan. The group shares personal stories – both heartfelt and humorous. The event is meant to be “a celebration of life (and fashion)” to uplift attendees while raising critical funds for an urgent cause. Their 2022 goal is to raise over $35,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
“Come to Fall Catalogue Night and you will see how fun it is to raise money,” he encourages. “You will also hear from many people about how your money positively impacts those who are suffering.” In addition to hosting his annual fundraiser, Dan participates in Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Chicago. This year, his Walk team has a new member: his new baby daughter. As a new parent, Dan’s fight against Alzheimer’s is more important than ever.
Dan and his newest partner in the fight to #ENDALZ
Dan wants to educate more individuals on the Alzheimer’s epidemic. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. “It affects so many people,” Dan shares. This should be a worldwide community goal to give everyone access to healthcare and support so they can deal with the emotional toll…It would give me great pleasure to say that my small efforts contributed towards a cure.”
Anyone can join the fight for a cure by hosting their own fundraiser with The Longest Day. Whether it’s a lemonade stand, a restaurant give-back night or a large scale fashion show, every dollar raised moves the needle forward. “It should be of utmost importance to get funds for research,” he shares. “The utility that this would bring to the world is immeasurable.”
Turn an existing event, hobby or passion into a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s. Get started at alz.org/tld. Activities can take place at any point in the year, with many focused around the Summer Solstice (June 21). Join the fight against the darkness of Alzheimer’s with The Longest Day.
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