My relationship with the Alzheimer’s Association began in 2010. I was invited to attend the very first Reason to Hope luncheon in Chicago, honoring WGN Radio legend, Wally Phillips and his family. At the time, I was the General Manager of WGN-TV and attended as both a representative of the WGN/Tribune family and my own family – as my Dad, Cliff had already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This Reason to Hope luncheon was where I first learned of the critical mission of the Alzheimer’s Association and how they were working to provide resources, education and hope to families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. I left that very first Reason to Hope luncheon newly inspired and hopeful for the future, for families like mine.
I was also impressed by the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the luncheon – in just one hour, Reason to Hope had changed my view of Alzheimer’s and inspired me to become a bigger part of the mission. I knew immediately that Reason To Hope was an event and an experience that I wanted to share with others in order to do my part to help raise awareness for Alzheimer’s.
In 2011, I became a Reason to Hope Table Host and invited friends and family to join me. The following year, 2012, I chaired the Reason to Hope Chicago luncheon and shared my Dad’s story with the Reason to Hope community. I have and will continue to support Reason to Hope through the years as a Table Host. Last year in 2019 and now again in 2020, I am proud to be Co-Chair of the Reason to Hope Chicago luncheon.
The first time I attended Reason to Hope it was clear that I was now a part of a bigger community through the Alzheimer’s Association. Through the years I have seen Reason to Hope grow through the dedication and expanding roster of Reason to Hope Table Hosts.
When our Table Hosts invite their friends, family, co-workers, colleagues – they help create and grow this community within Reason To Hope – a community that shares the common goal of a world without Alzheimer’s.
In addition to Reason to Hope, I have embarked on several other endeavors as a part of my fight against Alzheimer’s. I have participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Chicago with my family in honor of my Dad and his caregivers. I also participated in the Alzheimer’s Association family forum education program, and caregiver support groups. As a representative of the Illinois Broadcasters Association I have partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to promote the Silver Search program to protect endangered missing persons through a state wide awareness campaign. I currently serve on the Silver Search Task Force and have most recently joined Illinois Women Conquer ALZ.
What gives me a reason to hope is the mission and strategy of the Alzheimer’s Association. As the world’s leading voluntary health organization, funding Alzheimer’s care, support, advocacy and research gives me HOPE!
I have benefited from the Alzheimer’s Association mission, I have embraced the mission, and will continue to participate in the mission by raising awareness and funds to help achieve the goal of a world without Alzheimer’s!
If you want to become a part of the fight against Alzheimer’s, join us at our virtual Reason to Hope event on Tuesday, November 10 at 12 p.m. CT! Learn about the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association and embrace the Reason to Hope community.
Or if you cannot join us this year, go online and donate to the Alzheimer’s Association Reason to Hope.
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