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If you're raising children and  helping care for an aging parent, you’re part of a unique and often overlooked group known as the Sandwich Generation . Every day, millions of Americans juggle school runs and sports practices with doctor’s appointments and difficult health decisions for aging loved ones. It’s rewarding—but it can also be overwhelming. That’s why we’re inviting you to a special evening designed just for you. Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM at Sage YMCA, 701 Manor Road, Crystal Lake, IL Join the Alzheimer’s Association , Mercy Health , and other local community partners  for a supportive and informative gathering. We’ll kick off the evening with an introduction to the powerful PBS documentary, “Caregiving” , followed by a thoughtful discussion session where you’ll be able to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through. What to Expect: A welcoming space to learn, talk, and connect Free sandwiches and snacks (because every Sandwich Generation caregiver deserves a sandwich!) Local organizations on-site with practical resources and support The chance to step away from your responsibilities for just a moment—and realize you’re not alone Whether you’re just beginning your caregiving journey or you’ve been navigating this dual role for years, this event offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights, feel seen, and find community. Space is limited, and RSVPs are required. 📞 Call 800-272-3900 today to reserve your spot. Being part of the Sandwich Generation isn’t easy—but together, we can make it a little lighter.

What an unforgettable night! Last week, the 19th Annual Memory Rock Chicago  rocked the city and raised an incredible $127,010 (and counting!)  in support of Alzheimer’s care, support, and research  — making this our most successful year yet ! This powerful evening brought together music lovers, advocates, and supporters united by a shared passion to end Alzheimer’s. The energy in the room was nothing short of electric. A huge thank you  goes out to our amazing co-chairs Adam Loritz  and Chris Parks , our dedicated planning committee , and our 25 generous sponsors  who made this milestone event possible. Of course, the night wouldn’t have been the same without our incredible bands — Superheat  and Common Area Maintenance  — who had everyone on their feet and dancing for a cause that truly matters. 🎸 Relive the night!  Check out photos from the event here:👉 Event Photos on Flickr It’s not too late to make an impact — donations are still being accepted  at MemoryRockChicago.com . Every dollar brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. We can’t wait to see you next year as we celebrate 20 years of Memory Rock Chicago  — our biggest celebration yet!

Leah pictured in front of the Bank of America Marathon advertising campaign on their building. When Leah lost a close family friend Susie Rushing Plakon   to Alzheimer’s in 2018 at just 57 years old, it was more than a heartbreaking goodbye. This wasn’t supposed to happen so soon, not to someone so full of life known far and wide for her musical ear, her devotion to her family, and her love for Jesus. The loss sent ripples through Leah’s community, bringing together a circle of people united not only in grief, but a powerful shared purpose, to keep her friend’s memory alive and fight for a future without Alzheimer’s. Now, Leah is preparing to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 12th , and this race is about far more than the miles. She’s lacing up her shoes to raise critical funds for the Alzheimer’s Association , a cause that has taken on deeply personal meaning. Every step she takes on race day is in honor of her beloved friend, a woman who lived with courage, warmth, and strength, even in the face of a cruel and unrelenting disease. “Growing up, I watched my dad's passion shine through his work in the Assisted Living/ Memory Care business development space,” say Leah. “While I knew how important these facilities were to families in need, I'd never considered the possibility that someone so close to me could be checking in as a resident.” Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and it robs individuals of their memories, independence, and identity. It’s a disease that doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed, but it impacts families, friends, and communities. Leah has seen this firsthand, and instead of letting grief consume her, she chose to channel it into action. By running the marathon, Leah is not only raising awareness, she’s raising hope. Every dollar she raises goes toward: Supporting individuals and families  living with Alzheimer’s Funding critical research  to understand the disease and search for a cure Advocating for better care  and more accessible resources for all affected For Leah, marathon training has become more than physical preparation, it’s been an emotional journey. On race day, she won’t be running alone. With each mile, she’ll carry the spirit of her friend beside her, along with the strength of her community and the determination to make a difference. Leah’s story is a testament to the power of turning loss into legacy. You can support her mission by donating to her fundraising page, sharing her story, or learning more about the work of the Alzheimer’s Association. Whether it’s one step or 26.2 miles, every bit of support brings us closer to a cure. To donate visit: http://act.alz.org/goto/leahgreen2025marathon

Over the last couple of years, we have worked very closely with the following local organizations to deliver education programs, provide support groups, and recruit volunteers in areas where the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter has been focusing additional efforts. Working with the organizations has been an honor, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support them in this new channel.  LA Cares LA Cares is a small organization that serves a Spanish-speaking population and also recently received nonprofit status. The Latino Alzheimer’s Coalition for Advocacy, Research and Education (LA CARE) is a group of academic and community partners dedicated to empowering individuals with or at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and their families to obtain greater access to education, family support services, and research opportunities. We have been blessed to work with the LA Cares leadership on our Illinois Brain Health Project, our Latino Conference - Bringing the Light, the Board’s Research Committee, and have had the pleasure to be connected to their partnering groups LA BROCHA, an initiative for arts-based programming for seniors, and Somos Ancla, which has now become an Alzheimer’s Association support group hosted in Spanish. Contact: Perla Castro ( perla@communicaglobal.com ), Judy Rocha ( jsrocha5@neiu.edu ), and David Marquez ( marquezd@uic.edu )  Center on Halsted The Center on Halsted is the Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day. The Center on Halsted has hosted Alzheimer’s Association Education programs annually and provides critical services to the senior community. Contact: Britta Larson ( blarson@centeronhalsted.org )  Chinese American Service League (CASL) CASL supports individual and family wellness through a variety of critical programs, services, and resources for adults that strengthen the entire community by enhancing the security and stability of our community members. Recently, CASL has spearheaded a search for Mandarin-speaking individuals who can be trained on the Alzheimer’s Association education programs to provide education to their community members. They are also working to establish Chinatown in Chicago as a dementia-friendly neighborhood. Contact: Winnie Lam ( winnie.lam@casl.org ) and Ruby Tan ( jinxiao.tan@casl.org ) Center for Better Aging - St. Bernard Hospital The Center for Better Aging empowers individuals over 50 to age with confidence and independence. Their health care and professional medical team delivers premier whole-person healthcare across our hospital campus, at home, and throughout the community. They are located on Chicago’s South Side, serving community members in the surrounding area.  The Center has supported the Release the Silence conference as a sponsor, and our contact joined the Planning Committee to help provide guidance and insight throughout the planning process. They also host our Mobile Care Consultant and provide a wide variety of education programs to their community members. They have also connected the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter with additional partners for collaboration, including the Kelly Branch Public Library. Contact: Penny Hill ( Penny.Hill@centerforbetteraging.org )  Community Health Community Health is a free clinic with locations on the West and South sides. CommunityHealth is one of the largest volunteer-based health centers in the nation. We provide primary and specialty care, medications, lab testing, mental health services, and health education at no charge to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured adults in Chicago. The majority of the population they serve are Black and African Americans, Hispanic/Latino, and Polish-speaking communities.  We have conducted several programs in partnership with the organization in English and in Spanish with our Mobile Care Consultant, and have been grateful for this partnership. Contact: Stephanie Willding ( swillding@communityhealth.org )

The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter will host its 2nd Annual Bringing the Light Conference virtually on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in English and in Spanish.  This conference is designed to help our community gain information on Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia and weave together insights on resources for caregivers. During the event, attendees will hear from Alzheimer’s Association experts, local and state-wide organizations like Rush University Medical Center, Sinai Community Institute, Lundbeck, Peck Ritchey, LLC, LA BROCHA, Somos Ancla, Enlace, PAES, ASI Healthcare Services, LA CARE, and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Illinois Chapter. The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to providing access to resources and information to communities who need it the most and this event is part of this effort.   The conference is geared towards caregivers, future caregivers, and healthcare professionals who are looking for resources and support in the Latine and Spanish-speaking community. This event will be held from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. This event is free to attend and all attendees will receive a mailed packet with information from all participating organizations. Registration strongly encouraged and can be done by calling 800.272.3900 or going to alzillinois.org/alzbringingthelight . “Our community is facing a major challenge: how to support the growing number of Latinos living with Alzheimer’s disease and how best to support their unpaid family caregivers. Alzheimer’s disease impacts all races and ethnicities, but the Hispanic and Latino communities are 1.5 times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to Caucasians,” said Delia Jervier, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter.  For media inquiries, please contact: Lionell Martin, Public Affairs Manager lrmartin@alz.org 773-593-4211 About the Alzheimer's Association: The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization that is dedicated to serving over 6.7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and their 11 million caregivers. With a presence in all 50 states, it collaborates with 30+ national and 600+ local organizations to address health inequities in underserved communities. It aims to create a world without Alzheimer's and dementia, with a mission to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research and provide support for all affected.

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting  Chicago  residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Chicago, October 4, Lincoln Park Grove 2, 1735 N. Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614 (new location) 8:00am. “We’re at a turning point in the fight against Alzheimer’s. For the first time, treatments exist that can alter the course of this disease,” said Jen Price, Vice President at Salesforce. “As the Local Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Chicago Walk, Salesforce is proud to stand with the Alzheimer’s Association. We invite everyone in our community to start a team, raise critical funds, and walk with us toward a future without Alzheimer’s. ” On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease. More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, nearly 12 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Illinois, there are more than 260,500 people living with the disease and 314,000 caregivers.  To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit http://act.alz.org/chicagowalk .   Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s ® The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s   is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk ® ; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.     Alzheimer's Association ® The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to  Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit   alz.org  or call 800.272.3900.

Shared by: Eddy Cardiel  Tell us a little about yourself.   My name is Eddy Cardiel and I am an epidemiologist in the Chicagoland area. I love exploring nature, watching the latest movies, attending live music events, and I just became addicted to collecting plants.  How did you get involved with Walk to End Alzheimer's? I witnessed my friend fight a tough battle with Alzheimer’s and dementia as both of his parents suffered from this disease. Although I could not physically do anything to relieve the pain of losing his parents, I decided to join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee for the Illinois Chapter in Chicago, to try to help in any way that I possibly could. I quickly became involved and learned about other people’s stories. I became passionate about helping and I have been a part of the committee for 7 lucky years now. We have a lot of work to do to find the first person cured of Alzheimer’s disease.  Why should others raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's disease? Research and treatments have advanced tremendously within these past 7 years and I strongly feel that a cure will emerge soon. There are so many advances that could have never happened if people didn't get together to raise funds and awareness. Eradicating this disease will take an army, therefore, we need everyone to help out as best as they can in order to achieve eradicating this disease within our lifetime. Plus, the walks are always an amazing experience and it is a great tradition to have! I always bring my family and friends along.   What do you want others to understand about Alzheimer's disease/dementia who may not have experienced it first-hand? I haven't experienced this disease first-hand. However, I have been witness to how a person can be affected by this fatal and disastrous disease. Alzheimer’s and other dementias not only affect an individual’s health but the whole family gets the full effect. It is not easy to have a family member be diagnosed with a progressive brain disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on Chicago residents to come together in the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Chicago on Saturday, October 4  at its new location: Lincoln Park Grove 2 (1735 N. Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614) . Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. Register today  and get the latest updates: http://act.alz.org/chicagowalk

When Connie Lissner’s husband was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020, her family’s world shifted in an instant. A retired attorney with no prior experience in caregiving, Connie quickly stepped into the role of full-time caregiver, determined to navigate the unknown path ahead. In search of support and answers, she turned to the Alzheimer’s Association and found more than just information. She found a community. Since that life-changing diagnosis, Connie and her family have become deeply involved in the fight against Alzheimer’s. They’ve participated in the Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s  every year, using the event as both a fundraiser and a celebration of love, resilience, and remembrance. Today, Connie’s husband resides in a memory care facility, but Walk Day remains a powerful tradition for the Lissners a full day of unity, purpose, and reflection. It was during one of those deeply personal moments that Connie’s son, Ben Lissner, experienced a turning point of his own. On Valentine’s Day, Ben walked into a flower shop — not for a partner, but for his mom. “I realized my dad wouldn’t be able to get flowers for his wife anymore,” Ben shared. “He would want to if he could, but he couldn’t. It hit me that even though he’s still here, not all of him is here.” Stories like Ben’s — stories of love, loss, and unyielding hope — are at the heart of the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission. Now, thanks to a generous $15,000 matching gift from the Make It Better Foundation , supporters have a powerful opportunity to make twice the impact. Through this matching campaign, every donation made will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000 . That means every gift goes twice as far in funding critical programs, lifesaving research, and round-the-clock support services for the millions affected by Alzheimer’s. Across the U.S., over 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s with over 260,000 Illinoisian , and more than 11 million unpaid caregivers, mostly family members, support them every day. “It’s not just about watching someone forget,” said Ben. “It’s about watching someone fade. Watching my mom become not only a wife but a nurse, a guardian, and an anchor... it changed me. It made me want to do something.” Donations from this campaign will directly support: 24/7 Helpline Services  – A lifeline for families and individuals seeking guidance and emotional support. Local Support Groups  – Connecting caregivers and those affected by Alzheimer’s to vital community resources. Groundbreaking Research  – Aiming to improve early detection, develop effective treatments, and ultimately, find a cure. These services provide immediate relief to families like the Lissners, while also paving the way for long-term solutions. Supporters like Connie and Ben are among thousands nationwide stepping up to fight back. Recently, the Power of Purple Reason to Hope  fundraiser an annual Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter event honoring caregivers and advocates, broke records for attendance and fundraising, fueled by stories like theirs. “Alzheimer’s changes everything,” Connie said. “But it also brings out the best in people. We show up. We speak out. We fight back. That’s what my family is doing, and that’s what this campaign is about.” Join the fight. Honor a loved one. Support a caregiver. Help end Alzheimer’s.  Donate now at: alz.org/donate . Your gift will be matched up to $15,000 thanks to the Make It Better Foundation . Together, we can bring hope today and a cure tomorrow.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter honor Marta Cerda, a dynamic and visionary leader who currently serves as Board Chair. With over 38 years of experience spanning the corporate, nonprofit, philanthropic, and political sectors, Marta has consistently used her voice, influence, and expertise to transform systems and uplift underserved communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by health inequities, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Marta is the CEO of ASI, a $12 million not-for-profit organization providing home care services and employment and training programs across Illinois. Under her leadership, ASI has undergone a remarkable transformation—from traditional home care to a full care continuum, powered by innovative technologies and streamlined operations. Her ability to integrate forward-thinking strategies into real-world services has not only improved efficiency but also expanded access to quality care for thousands of families. Marta’s motivation to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research and support services is rooted because her grandmother died of Alzheimer’s and uncle lives with Lewy Body dementia. Her desire to prevent others from enduring the same stresses and challenges she witnessed her father face while caring for her mother. She believes in connecting caregivers with the necessary support services to alleviate their burdens and promote their well-being. Her passion for advocating for better care and raising awareness about Alzheimer’s is evident in her dedication to the cause. Marta Cerda recognizes the urgency of addressing the Alzheimer’s epidemic, which affects millions of Americans and is projected to impact even more in the future. She emphasizes the importance of making access to healthcare and support available to everyone affected by Alzheimer’s, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on both individuals with the disease and their caregivers. We are grateful to have Marta Cerda leading our efforts at the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. Her transformative leadership and deep commitment to equity make her a beacon of hope and progress, not only this Hispanic Heritage Month, but every day of the year.

Marta Cerda is a dedicated leader with an extensive background spanning over 35 years in various fields, including business, not-for-profit, philanthropy, and politics. She currently holds a prominent position as the head of one of the largest and oldest Latino-led not-for-profit organizations in the city of Chicago. Her remarkable journey and commitment to making a difference in her community are truly inspiring. One of Marta Cerda’s most notable contributions is her involvement as a Board Member with the Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter. Her personal experiences with caregiving have given her a deep understanding of the challenges and emotional toll that diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia can place on individuals and their families. Having lost her grandmother to Alzheimer’s and witnessed her mother’s battle with dementia, Marta understands the patience and dedication required to provide care to loved ones in their time of need. Marta’s motivation to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research and support services is rooted in her desire to prevent others from enduring the same stresses and challenges she witnessed her father face while caring for her mother. She believes in connecting caregivers with the necessary support services to alleviate their burdens and promote their well-being. Her passion for advocating for better care and raising awareness about Alzheimer’s is evident in her dedication to the cause. Marta Cerda recognizes the urgency of addressing the Alzheimer’s epidemic, which affects millions of Americans and is projected to impact even more in the future. She emphasizes the importance of making access to healthcare and support available to everyone affected by Alzheimer’s, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on both individuals with the disease and their caregivers. In her role as a champion for the Alzheimer’s Association, Marta Cerda plays a vital role in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Her commitment, along with the support of others, contributes significantly to the mission of finding a cure and providing much-needed assistance to families affected by this devastating disease. Marta’s dedication and advocacy serve as an inspiration to all who strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.