By Judy Carmack Bross
Power of Purple: A Reason to Hope Luncheon Co-Chairs Jim Wong, Mekeda Johnson-Brooks, Francia Harrington and Barry Masek
The message of hope offered by the Alzheimer’s Association is so powerful that the organization realized the need to move to a much larger dining room to accommodate attendees who wanted to celebrate research breakthroughs and caregiver at its annual luncheon. From lilac to aubergine, Spring florals to Easter egg-colored neckties, the 500 guests followed the instructions to don the organization’s signature purple.
Members of the Power of Purple: A Reason to Hope Luncheon Host Committee
By the end of the luncheon filled with medical updates, positive clinical trial results and personal stories honoring those affected and those who care for them, almost $500,000 was raised to further the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission to provide support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and accelerate research toward finding a cure. Of all the hope in the room, the message “we can’t wait to celebrate the first survivor of Alsheimer’s” drew the largest applause of all.
David Gate, Ph.D. (Director, Abrams Research Center on Neurogenomics, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Northwestern University) and Rebecca M. Edelmayer, Ph.D (Vice President, Scientific Engagement, Alzheimer’s Association) in conversation with Jeanne Sparrow
Emcees Ray Cortopassi and Jeanne Sparrow
Ray Cortopassi, Anchor of WGN-TV’s Evening News, and Jeanne Sparrow, WVAZ personality and author, emceed the luncheon. Cortopassi noted: “It is a real honor to salute caregivers who face great stress, uncertainty and fatigue as they offer their loving support.”
Opal Staples performs her original song at the Power of Purple: A Reason to Hope Luncheon
Special musical guest Opal Staples, singer, songwriter, and actress, added a memorable touch to the event, performing a song she wrote especially for that day.
Guests enjoy the special performance by Opal Staples
This year’s event, co-chaired by Francia Harrington, Mekeda Johnson-Brooks, Barry Masek and Jim Wong, honored local community leaders and partners who have made an impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Francia Harrington told us:
“Our goals for this event were to honor all the professionals, family and friends who are dedicated caregivers. We were grateful to highlight the hope that comes from the combined efforts volunteers, healthcare professionals, researchers and Alzheimer Association staff. We felt it was enormously important to express deep appreciation for the tremendous generosity of everyone who supports this important work!”
Professional Caregiver Award recipient Katie Fielmann, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Executive Director Delia Jervier and Champion Award recipient Aimee Nolan
Ray Cortopassi presents the Health System Award to Dr. Robert Higgins (President of Rush University, Chief Academic Officer and Chief Clinical Officer)
Described as a “tenacious advocate”, Aimee Nolan won the Champion Award and said she was “an ambassador to anyone fighting the disease.” She spoke to the hole in the work force produced by family members who must quit their jobs to become caregivers. RUSH received the Health System Award which was accepted by Dr. Robert Higgins, President of Rush University, Chief Academic Officer and Chief Clinical Officer. The event also featured the presentation of the Caregiver Awards, which honored individuals who have shown extraordinary commitment in supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Jeanne Sparrow presents the Family Caregiver Award to Ramona Liza Murillo
Award recipients were Katie Fielmann, who received the Professional Caregiver Award and Ramona Liza Murillo, the Family and Friend Caregiver Award. “These individuals exemplify the heart and soul of caregiving, showing profound empathy and determination,” said Delia Jervier, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. “The Power of Purple: A Reason to Hope Luncheon was a celebration of their unwavering commitment and an opportunity to unite the community in support of Alzheimer’s awareness and research.”
The event also included remarks from distinguished speakers, including Alzheimer’s and dementia experts Rebecca M. Edelmayer, Ph.D., and David Gates, Ph.D., who shared updates on the latest advancements in research.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Guests of Silver Sponsor Griffith Foods Lisa Utter, Patricia Schoulda and JoAnn Anderson
We are truly grateful to all our sponsors, donors, and volunteers who have supported this important cause. Your generosity is a beacon of hope as we work towards a world without Alzheimer’s. We are very near to our goal of $500,000, which would be a record for this event. There is still time to donate,” Delia Jervier, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter said.
To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association and to contribute to the fight against Alzheimer’s, please visit PowerAndHope25.givesmart.com.
