Cheri McEssy’s journey with the Alzheimer’s Association began long before she joined the Illinois Chapter Executive Board in 2017. Her connection to the cause dates back to the early 1990s, driven by personal experience. Alzheimer's runs deep in Cheri’s family, affecting her grandmother, mother, and three siblings. With the disease being hereditary, Cheri looks forward to participating in clinical trials in the future and is determined to help find answers to help.
As a Clinician Nurse and former owner of Bright Star Care, Cheri has spent her career supporting caregivers and families, making Alzheimer’s care and research a personal mission. Her dedication to the cause is why she continues to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association through creative and meaningful events.
For Cheri, this is more than a fundraiser—it’s a way to turn her passion into action. Returning this year, after teaming up with Chris Clark of Toss and Spin in 2022, a racket sports agency that brings people together through events and programming. Their shared love of pickleball inspired them to create the 3rd Annual Purple Pickleball Party, an event that merges fun and philanthropy.
Pickleball, a sport known for building community, is the perfect vehicle to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s. "We believe it’s so important to support the fight against this devastating disease through our beloved sport of pickleball," Cheri shares. "Alzheimer’s takes a huge toll on families, both emotionally and financially. Watching loved ones slowly lose their memories, their ability to communicate, and their sense of self is heartbreaking."
The Purple Pickleball Party, now in its third year, continues to grow. This year, the event is moving to a bigger venue, Big City Pickle in Fulton Market—where even more people can come together for a great day of pickleball, food, drinks, music, and lawn games. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just there to support, it’s an opportunity to meet new people and have fun, all while contributing to a great cause.
"Pickleball is more than a sport; it’s a community that unites people of all ages and backgrounds," says Chris. "By coming together, we can use pickleball as a platform to raise awareness, support caregivers, and fund crucial research. One day, we’ll find a cure for Alzheimer’s, and events like this brings us closer to that goal." Chris enjoys working with inspiring people and meaningful causes and hopes to help others organize successful events like this. For more information on the Purple Pickle Party, visit https://tinyurl.com/34ra4usf
The Longest Day® is the day with the most light – the summer solstice. Join us to fight Alzheimer's through a fundraising activity of your choice on a day that works for you. The funds you raise advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. To earn how you can fundraise and more about The Longest Day visit https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=the_longest_day
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