The Alzheimer’s Association® Illinois Chapter invites you to Team Up Against Alzheimer’s. This is a student-focused fundraiser designed to promote brain health, spread awareness and raise funds through student-coordinated events or activities. It is flexible enough to be an ongoing effort or a one-time occurrence and aims to motivate young people to get involved in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Fenwick High School Senior Jamie McCarthy shares her story.
“Team Up is a small group of like-minded teens that put together their own annual fundraisers and volunteer within the association. We are all driven, innovative kids with the common goal of ending Alzheimer’s. When I was a freshman, my mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Though it has been painful, this has pushed me to do as much as I can to raise money for a cure. I host an annual fundraiser with my hockey team called “Shoot Down Alzheimer’s.’ We do a bake sale, raffle, and play a charity game with all benefits going to the Alzheimer’s Association. We have been very successful, raising nearly $20,000 in just two years. Starting this fundraiser and spearheading the operation as a teenager has put me at an advantage against others my age. I have learned so much about myself and management, and I feel very prepared for a career. This benefits both the Team Up members ourselves and the cure to Alzheimer’s. It takes dedication, intellect, and passion to start your own fundraiser. While it requires a lot of work to hold a successful event, people are always willing to help. With the appropriate qualities and support, starting a Team Up event is something any teen can do. Overall, I think that Team Up has provided me with invaluable life skills and opportunities. Knowing that I am making a difference in people’s lives leaves a good taste in my mouth after each year of the fundraiser. My life would not be the same without it.”
– Jamie McCarthy, Fenwick High School
To create your own Team Up Fundraiser,
visit https://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/Team-Up/
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