“How do I say to my kids, ‘Everything is going to be okay’…I don’t know that we can 100% say that yet, so we have to keep taking action,” shared Bryan Adamick. He joined hundreds of Alzheimer’s Association supporters as they took action together on behalf of families across Illinois at Reason to Hope.
Event Co-Chairs Jennifer Keeney & Jennifer Convery
Nearly 300 guests gathered for Reason to Hope on Thursday, April 7 at the Mid-America Club in Chicago to change the path of Alzheimer’s disease. The annual event, co-chaired by Jennifer Keeney and Jennifer Convery, featured a powerful, one-hour program honoring those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. It was the first time the event was held in-person since 2019.
Paul Lisnek
This year’s event was emceed by Paul Lisnek (WGN-TV Political Analyst; Anchor of WGN-TV Political Report) and included a number of guest speakers. Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Executive Director Delia Jervier and Board Chair Aimee Nolan provided an update on the organization. They presented a check to researcher Xiaoran Liu, Ph.D., M.Sc. FAHA (Assistant Professor, Rush University Medical Center) for her recently awarded Alzheimer’s Association Research Grant.
From left: Delia Jervier, Xiaoran Liu, Aimee Nolan
Two special guest speakers shared their stories during the impactful program. Bryan Adamick, a Chicago musician raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association, shared how Alzheimer’s touches his past, present and future. Miguel Gamez, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, brought guests to their feet with his heartfelt remarks.
“At first, I wasn’t sure how to process what I was told,” Miguel shared. “Then I told my wife: I’m going to fight, and do everything that I can to make the most of the life I do have left.”
Guests at Reason to Hope
Thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors, the event raised a record-breaking $250,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research–but our work is just beginning. All donations made through Tuesday, May 31 will be matched up to $60,000 thanks to the transformative support of the James J. and Jacqualine A. McDonough Foundation and the Make It Better Media Group. Every gift supports those affected by the disease today while funding critical research for a cure tomorrow. Please consider donating to Reason to Hope to help families like Bryan’s and Miguel’s.
Miguel closed his remarks by sharing, “My reason for hope is my family. I know God still has me around for a reason, and I’m going to give him thanks every day that I get to spend with them. I have beautiful memories this far, and have faith that I still have many more to create.”
Guests at Reason to Hope
Donate to Reason to Hope at ReasonToHope22.givesmart.com. Click here to watch a recording of the event.
Are you interested in becoming a Table Host or sponsor at next year’s event? Please contact kmlane@alz.org or click here to learn more.
Reason to Hope Sponsors are at the forefront of the fight to end Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association is proud to recognize the following Gold Sponsors for making this event possible: Griffith Foods and Perfect Plastic Printing. Additional support is provided by Silver Sponsors: Amsive, Bank of America Private Bank, GE Healthcare, Horizon Wealth Management, Ingredion, Katten, Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC, Monarch Landing, Sedgebrook and The Clare and Bronze Sponsors: Dykema, Hagerty Consulting, Inc. and Mindsight.
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