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Alzheimer's offers five tips for balancing children and a parent with dementia   As families prepare for the back-to-school season, many parents are juggling supply lists, extracurricular schedules, and earlier bedtimes. But for sandwich generation caregivers—those caring for both children and an aging parent—the transition to the school year brings added layers of responsibility and stress.   National surveys estimate there are 11 million sandwich generation caregivers in the U.S., including about 2.2 million caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. With Baby Boomers living longer and more families facing dementia, this number is expected to grow.   The dual role takes a toll. Of the more than 11 million unpaid Alzheimer’s caregivers nationwide and 266,500 in Illinois alone About one-third report declining health due to caregiving, while more than half say their work life is affected by tardiness or absences. Many are forced to scale back at work, while children in the home often assume added responsibilities.   “Caregiving, particularly when you are caring for a loved one with dementia and children at home, can be overwhelming,” said Delia Jervier, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. “It is important to know that high levels of stress can be harmful to all family members.”   Despite the challenges, experts say it is possible for sandwich generation caregivers to balance their responsibilities while protecting their own well-being. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these five tips:   1. Take Care of Yourself Caregivers often neglect their own health, but eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest are essential. Even 30 minutes a day spent reading, exercising, or relaxing can help reduce stress. The Alzheimer’s Association provides resources to help caregivers recognize and relieve stress.   2. Maintain Good Communication Feelings of guilt are common when caregiving duties interfere with family time. Talk openly with your spouse, children, and loved ones about the demands you face and enlist their support. A 2017 Alzheimer’s Association survey found that 91% of Americans believe it “takes a village” to care for someone with Alzheimer’s, yet many caregivers hesitate to ask for help.   3. Seek Support The Alzheimer’s Association offers resources to ease caregiving, including adult day programs, in-home assistance, and meal delivery. Caregivers can explore local options through the online Community Resource Finder and access training and free workshops through the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center.   4. Talk to Your Employer Many companies now offer flexible schedules or telecommuting options. A 2023 AARP report found that 45% of employed caregivers reported such workplace accommodations. Discussing possible adjustments with your employer may help you balance work and caregiving demands.   5. Know You’re Doing Your Best Caregivers often feel guilt for not being able to “do it all.” Focus on priorities, delegate when possible, and remind yourself that the care you provide makes a difference. For additional encouragement, join ALZConnected, the Association’s online caregiver community.   To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving resources, and local support services, visit alz.org/Illinois or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

By: Alec Fraggos, Law Clerk at Peck Ritchey, LLC  As complex financial scams continue to grow, protections for the elderly, especially those with Alzheimer's and dementia—remains a significant legal issue. As the American population continues to age at unprecedented rates, those in the working in fields that protect the elderly from financial schemes will need to grapple with this unprecedented growth in the elderly population across the United States. While the medical and legal fields have made strides to protect this vulnerable population, both federal and state legislatures will need to make a pointed effort to address what many deem a public health crisis. This article, albeit brief, aims to address Congressional plans to address this problem along with data that explores the current state of America’s elderly population. Along with these considerations, this article identifies some of the most common forms of scams that target America’s elderly population.   Long-term planning and mechanisms will be necessary to protect elderly individuals from elder financial exploitation (EFE) as the number of Americans aged 65 and older continues to increase. According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the number of Americans ages  65 and older is “projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050 (a 47%  increase), and the 65-and-older age group’s share of the total population is projected to rise from  17% to 23%.” 0F 1 As the medical field continues to make significant strides, the United States’  population is “older today than it has ever been.”1F 2 What’s more, older adults in the United States have a higher rate of divorce than in previous generations, meaning that older adults are more likely to be living alone, making them more vulnerable to financial scams. The share of divorced women ages 65 and older “increased from 3% in 1980 to 15% in 2023, and for men from 4% to  12% during the same period.”2F 3 With large-scale age demographic shifts, Congress is in the best position to enact legislation that addresses the increase in the 65-and-older population group.   As EFE continues to garner the attention of Congress, new regulations may be necessary to address these complex financial scams. Elder financial exploitation (EFE) has been defined as the “illegal or improper use of an older adult’s funds, property, or assets.”3F 4 The National Elder Mistreatment Study also found EFE to be “the most common form of elder abuse.” 4F 5 Estimates calculating losses due to EFE range by source. According to some 2024 data, older adults lose billions of dollars annually to financial exploitation, ranging from “$28.3 to approximately $48.4 billion annually.”5F 6 Furthermore, the Department of Justice (DOJ) pursued “over 300 enforcement  actions against over 700 defendants charged with stealing nearly $700 million from over 225,000 older victims.” 6F 7 In 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Los Angeles identified  several of the most common methods of EFE. The FBI concluded that the most common  methods of fraud were Confidence/Romance Scams, Tech Support Scams, Cryptocurrency  Scams, and Investment Scams. 7F 8 Confidence/Romance scams involve situations in which  “criminals pose as interested romantic partners through dating websites to capitalize on their  elderly victims’ desire to find companions.” 8F 9 Tech Support Scams revolve around scenarios  where “criminals pose as tech support representatives and offer to fix nonexistent computer  issues—gaining remote access to victims’ devices and, thus, their sensitive information.” 9F 10 The  relatively newer Cryptocurrency Scams involve situations where “scammers convince targeted  individuals to withdraw large sums of cash and deposit into cryptocurrency ATMs or kiosks at  locations provided by the scammers. Once cash is deposited and converted into cryptocurrency,  the scammer transfers it to other cryptocurrency accounts.” 10F 11 Lastly, Investment Scams involve  “complex financial crimes often characterized as low-risk investments with guaranteed returns.  They comprise of advanced fee frauds, Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, market manipulation  fraud, real estate investing, and trust-based investing such as cryptocurrency investment  scams.”11F 12  At the federal level, EFE legislation has been introduced to enable the use of federal  grants. That is, the Empowering law Enforcement to Combat Financial Fraud Act—H.R. 9480— introduced by Representative Zachary Nunn (R-IA-3), would have allowed law enforcement  agencies to “use eligible federal grants to investigate general or senior financial fraud.”12F 13 Moreover, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act of 2023—H.R. 500—which passed the  House of Representatives, addresses “the redemption of securities involving the potential  financial exploitation of an adult by allowing an open-end investment company to elect to  comply with certain procedures.”13F 14 Legislation has been introduced that would create new  government offices dedicated to preventing and investigating EFE. The National Senior Investor  Initiative Act of 2023, H.R. 2593, would establish a Senior Investor Taskforce within the  Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This would require the taskforce to “report on  topics relating to investors over the age of 65, including industry trends and serious issues  impacting such investors, and make recommendations for legislative or regulatory actions to  address problems encountered by senior investors.”14F 15 More importantly, this would require the  Government Accountability Office to “report on the financial exploitation of senior citizens.”15F 16  Beyond legislation aiming to protect the elderly from financial scams, older Americans  are not getting enough help from their children and caregivers. A 2015 study conducted by the  National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) illustrated that “almost half (44.3%) of older  adults in the U.S. report having at least one unmet need related to self-care, mobility, or  household activities.” 16F 17 Furthermore, unmet needs “involve not receiving enough hours of care  or receiving poor quality care or care that does not match individual needs, such as help with  laundry but not food preparation.” 17F 18 This combination of inadequate care among America’s  aging population can make this population group more vulnerable to financial scams. That is,  due to this lack of care, “older adults might be more susceptible to financial abuse due to  cognitive decline, lack of familiarity with technology, reliance on caregivers or family members  for assistance with managing finances, and reliable income streams from Social Security and  other sources.”18F 19  While there have been significant steps taken to address the EFE, much work still  remains to be done, and Congress remains in the best position to take positive steps to adapt to  new and increasingly complex financial exploitation schemes against the elderly. As America’s  over-65 population continues to grow, Congress and state legislatures will be tasked with  creating long-term solutions to protect one of the United States’ most vulnerable groups.  The Law firm of Peck Ritchey, LLC, affiliated for many years with the Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, has recently been named the Legal Education Partner of the Association. Kerry Peck, Managing Partner of Peck Ritchey, LLC serves as Chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Elder Law and previously as President of the Chicago Bar Association. Mr. Peck is Co-Author of Alzheimer’s and the Law and Don’t Let Dementia Steal Everything, books which he wrote at the request of the American Bar Association. Kerry Peck served on the Association’s Board for many years and the Law Firm was honored last year by the Alzheimer’s Association. Peck Ritchey LLC is a one-stop shop for families navigating the devastating effects of a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease.   1 Mather, Mark and Scommegna, Paola; Population Reference Bureau, Fact Sheet: Aging in the United States,  https://www.prb.org/resources/fact-sheet-aging-in-the-united-states/ (citing to U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 National  Population Projections Tables: Main Series).   2 Id , (citing to U.S. Census Bureau, “America is Getting Older,” June 22, 2023. 3 Id , (citing to Population Reference Bureau analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population  Survey).   4 Elder Financial Exploitation (2025), https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12462 . 5 Id . 6 Hall LT, Rorai V, Lichtenberg PA. The association between early memory loss, financial exploitation, and financial  exploitation vulnerability. Alzheimer's Dement . 2025;e70001. https://doi.org/10.1002/bsa3.70001 7 Schneider, Karl E., “Elder Financial Exploitation,” Congressional Research Service , February 12, 2025, 1. 8 Eimiller, Laura, “FBI Releases 2023 Elder Fraud Report with Tech Support Scams Generating the Most  Complaints and Investment Scams Proving the Costliest,” Federal Bureau of Investigation , May 2, 2024,  https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/losangeles/news/fbi-releases-2023-elder-fraud-report-with-tech-support scams-generating-the-most-complaints-and-investment-scams-proving-the-costliest. 9 Id . 10 Id . 11 Id . 12 Id . 13 Elder Financial Exploitation (2025), https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12462 . 14 H.R.500—Financial Exploitation Prevention Act of 2023, 118 th Congress, (2023-2024). 15 H.R. 2593—National Senior Investor Initiative Act of 2023, 118 th Congress (2023-2024). 16 Id .  17 Patterson, Sarah et al., “Care Received and Unmet Care Needs Among Older Parents in Biological and Step  Families,” The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 77, Supplement 1  (2022), S53.   18 Scommegna, Paola, “Vulnerable Older Americans Aren’t Getting Adequate Care—Even With Paid Caregivers or  Grown Children,” Population Reference Bureau , October 19, 2022. 19 Schneider, Karl E., “Elder Financial Exploitation,” Congressional Research Service , February 12, 2025, 1.

Shared by Sheri Yarbrough: When Sheri Yarbrough heard the word Alzheimer’s  in a routine doctor’s visit in 2010, it was the first time the word meant something personal. Before that day, Alzheimer’s was just a distant term, something she had heard in passing, but never fully understood. That changed when her mother, Muriel Yarbrough, was diagnosed at the age of 82. Sheri is the youngest of three siblings and knew at an early age that she would be the one to care for their aging parents. The news of the diagnosis brought with it a wave of confusion and fear, but also a sense of quiet determination. She quickly realized that this would be her journey to carry and accepted the role of primary caregiver. Muriel, now 97, is more than a patient or a diagnosis. She is a mother, a teacher in her own right, and the heart of her family. Sheri, who holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies, found herself immersed in a whole new form of education, one not taught in universities. The medical teams at Rush and Northwestern became her professors. The Alzheimer’s Association became her guide. She dove into webinars, support groups, and online courses, doing everything she could to become the caregiver her mother needed. Eighteen months after the Alzheimer’s diagnosis, life dealt another blow, Muriel was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two life-altering illnesses, one after the other challenged her to decide how she was going to lead their care journey. The burden was heavy, and at times overwhelming. “At the beginning of our journey, I lost sight of what I could still hold on to,” Sheri admits. “It’s so easy to focus on what you're losing, what’s slipping away. But I had to learn how to focus on what was still there—the laughter, stories, and the touch of her hand.” One of the greatest lessons Sheri has learned is the importance of support. She emphasizes that caregiving should never be a solo mission. “Include yourself,” she says. “This is a team effort, and you are the team’s leader. You are only one person, so you have to have the support of family, friends, and professionals. You’re not alone, and you shouldn’t try to be.” She also reminds others not to become so consumed by the logistics and caregiving tasks that they forget the person they’re caring for. “Don’t lose sight of the memories you’ve shared. Cherish the quiet moments. Hold on to the history you have together.” Today, Sheri continues to care for her mother with strength, grace, and a heart full of love. Her story is one of acceptance, resilience, and deep devotion; an honest reflection of what it means to love someone through Alzheimer’s. “The most important thing my mom taught me on this journey is to live in the moment.” Lessons from a care journey isn’t an education that you learn from a book. It is one that comes from the courage to show up, day after day, for someone you love. Get the emotional support you need by connecting with others with our virtual support groups A support group is a regularly scheduled virtual gathering of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, family, friends or caregivers who interact around issues relating to dementia. Groups can have social, educational and/or support components and are facilitated by individuals who have received training from the Alzheimer's Association. Support Groups | Illinois Chapter | alz.org

Are you passionate about helping others? Do you want to make a meaningful impact right in your community? Join us in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is actively seeking compassionate and dedicated volunteers to support the more than 260,500 Illinois residents living with Alzheimer’s—and the millions more affected through caregiving, family, and community ties. Whether you can give a few hours each week or prefer to help out at special events, there’s a place for you on our team.  Volunteers are the heart of our mission—bringing hope, comfort, and support to those navigating one of life’s most difficult journeys. As a volunteer, you can: Assist with local education programs and support groups Help at Walk to End Alzheimer’s and other community events Advocate for policies that improve care and advance research Offer administrative help in local offices Provide outreach to underserved communities And so much more No experience? No problem.  We provide training and resources so you feel confident and empowered in your role. Every action—big or small—can have a lasting impact. When you volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, you become part of a movement committed to ending this disease and improving lives along the way. 💜 Ready to help?  Visit alz.org/illinois/volunteer  to learn more and sign up today. Together, we can make a difference.

On July 28th, the fifth annual In It to End It  Golf Outing teed off with purpose, passion, and an incredible community of supporters at Ruth Lake Country Club. Held as part of The Longest Day , this year’s event, hosted by Friends of Alzheimer's Chicago, brought together golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and advocates—all united in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our sponsors and participants, the outing raised an outstanding $150,000  in support of Alzheimer’s care, support services, and critical research. Every swing of the club, every donation, and every show of support helped move us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. From the planning committee to the sponsors, and everyone who took part in making the day a success—we extend our heartfelt thanks. Together, we made a difference. And together, we are in it to end it .

Shared by: Jessica Steinacker In October 2025, Jessica Steinacker will lace up her running shoes and step up to the starting line of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Not just as a first-time marathoner, but as a granddaughter on a mission. Jessica, a U.S. Navy veteran, has never run long distances before. Born in Miami, Florida, and now living in Michigan, she’s taking on the 26.2-mile challenge in honor of someone who meant the world to her; her grandfather, Ramon Cotayo. “This is for him,” Jessica shares. “I’m running for my Abuelo. For his strength. For everything he gave us.” Ramon Cotayo was the heart of the Cotayo family. Born in Cuba, he ran a small business before making the courageous move to the United States with nothing more than the clothes on his back and a fierce determination to support his wife and children. He worked in construction and found joy in feeding the ones he loved, always cooking large meals, never knowing how to make “just enough.” His kitchen was full of flavor and family, and so was his life. He was a proud father to four children Ramoncito, who heartbreakingly passed away at just two years old, his sons Carlos and Jorge (Jessica’s dad), and Elizabeth. But perhaps one of his proudest titles was “Abuelo,” and Jessica had the honor of being his very first grandchild. “We used to talk every day,” Jessica recalls. “Then it became once a week… then once a month… and eventually, the conversations stopped altogether.” That slow silence is something many families affected by Alzheimer’s know all too well. It was after a serious accident in 2016 that the family first noticed the changes. Ramon began forgetting little things such as where he left his keys and repeating stories. The Alzheimer’s diagnosis came soon after, followed by Parkinson’s in 2017. Life continued to shift dramatically in 2018 when Ramon went through a divorce, and the final blow came during the isolation of COVID-19. “We felt like we lost him then,” Jessica says. “The distance, the silence… it was heartbreaking.” Ramon passed away in 2021. But his legacy, his laughter, his warmth, his fierce love for his family lives on. And this October, that legacy will carry Jessica through every mile of her first marathon. She’s running for awareness. She’s running to raise funds. But most of all, she’s running to honor the man who helped shape her into the strong, determined woman she is today. “This run is for all the families who’ve felt the pain of watching someone they love slowly fade,” Jessica says. “But it’s also a celebration of their lives, their joy, their spirit, and the memories that never leave us.” As Jessica trains, mile by mile, she carries with her the love, strength, and resilience her grandfather showed every day. And when she crosses that finish line, it won’t just be a victory for her, it’ll be a victory for Ramon, and for every family impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia. You can support Jessica at: http://act.alz.org/goto/Jessica2025

A Journey of Family, Business, and Alzheimer's Advocacy — Barbara Moran-Goodrich’s Story In the world of business, Barbara Moran-Goodrich is a powerhouse. As CEO and Co-founder of Moran Family of Brands, she leads a franchise empire that includes Mr. Transmission, Multistate Transmission, Milex Complete Car Care, and Turbo Tint — over 135 franchises strong, spanning twenty-nine states and several international locations. She's been featured in major media outlets including The Wall Street Journal , Crain’s Business , TheStreet.com , Franchise Times , Huffington Post , and WomenEntrepreneur.com . But behind the accolades and achievements is a story of personal resilience, deep family roots, and a passionate commitment to advocacy. Barbara’s journey with Alzheimer’s began not in a boardroom, but at home. In 2008, her company began supporting the Alzheimer’s Association, and it was then that she first became truly aware of the devastating impact of the disease. What began as a corporate partnership quickly became deeply personal. By 2013, Barbara began noticing changes in her mother — small but undeniable signs that something wasn’t right. Her mother, with whom she had started Moran Family of Brands back in 1990, was suddenly struggling with tasks that had once been second nature. Two years later, in 2015, Barbara's mother was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. “It was like a door we didn’t want to open,” Barbara recalls. “But we had to face it — and we had to figure out how to walk through it together.” “For the first time, I felt like I wasn’t alone. IWCA gave me the information, tools, and emotional support I so desperately needed. They helped guide our family — and most importantly, helped us get my mom the care and support she needed.” Those final years were challenging, but because of the knowledge and support Barbara gained through IWCA, her family was able to be present and together with her mother in her final moments. Her mother passed away in June 2019. Today, Barbara remains actively involved with IWCA. “I stay connected because I want to help others the way IWCA helped me. No one should face Alzheimer’s alone.” Navigating the complexities of the disease wasn’t easy. But in 2017, Barbara discovered the Illinois Women Conquer Alz (IWCA), a community that would prove to be a lifeline. Barbara's story is one of strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment — not just to her family or her business, but to the countless families walking the same path she once did. Through her work, her voice, and her heart, she continues to light the way for others.

Marta Cerda, Board - Chair Marta Cerda , is a transformational leader who uses innovation, strategic governance, intentional oversight, and ambitious goal setting to change systems and corporations. With more than 38  years spent in corporate, not-for-profit, philanthropic, and political arenas, Marta is CEO of ASI. This $12 million dollar not-for-profit organization provides home care services and employment and training programs.  During her tenure, she streamlined operations, converted the agency from traditional home care to an innovative care continuum, and leveraged new technology to increase service hours and improve efficiency.  A dynamic leader who is directly credited with leading a hospital away from the edge of bankruptcy and closure, Marta has a clear understanding of corporate P&L, knows how to institute change in critical areas, and meet needs in real-time.  Marta has proactively impacted her community by serving on many different boards, both nonprofit and corporate. The organizations where she has served as a board member and chairman have addressed some of the most challenging issues facing society today, especially health equity. She holds leadership roles in the National RECOVER Taskforce (NIH), Puerto Rican Agenda, and Illinois Unidos. She is the Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association of Illinois and was Chair of Norwegian American Hospital. She is involved in community development through leadership in: Former Vice Chair, Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation; Trustee – National Museum of Mexican Art; and President, Illinois Association of Community Care Program Homecare Providers.  She serves on the Chicago Commission on Human Relations board.  She was a founding member of the Young Leaders Fund, Chicago Community Trust and served on the Executive Committee of the Golden Apple Foundation. One of her current projects is to build a Health Equity & Workforce Development Center. This 19,000 square-foot Health Equity Center will anchor programming and services, including a comprehensive workforce center, a training institute, a memory care center, and home health/home care administrative offices. Marta strongly believes that in order to alleviate health disparities and inequities, the workforce center would have to be located in a predominantly Black and Brown community that has historically suffered from disinvestment and barriers to resources that gravely impact life expectancy. Crain’s Chicago Business recognized Marta as a Notable Healthcare Leader (2022) and Notable Latino Leader (2024).  In 2023, Chicago United recognized her as a Business Leader of Color.  Latino Leader magazine presented her with the Maestro Award. This July 2025, Marta will receive Negocios Now’s Community Champion Award.   Marta earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College and a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University's Chicago School of Law. She is a candidate for the Northwestern-Kellogg School Executive Scholar Program and was a National Hispana Leadership Institute Fellow, where she attended the Center for Creative Leadership and a Harvard Kennedy School public policy course. She was a How Women Lead - Women Leaders of the World fellow.  Carrie Jost, Board Member Carrie Jost, is vice president of communications for CNO Financial Group (NYSE: CNO), the national insurer that provides life and health insurance, annuities, financial services and workforce benefits solutions through its family of brands, including Bankers Life, Colonial Penn, Optavise and Washington National. Carrie is responsible for CNO’s corporate communications, public relations, employee communications, sponsorship, philanthropy, corporate branding, creative services and event marketing. She joined the company in 2005 and has held several communications positions, including serving as CNO’s director of brand marketing and as manager of brand and marketing communications for Bankers Life. Prior to CNO, she worked in communications for two of Chicago’s business leadership forums: The Executives’ Club of Chicago and the Mid-America Committee for International Business and Government Cooperation. Carrie earned a bachelor's degree in political science and Spanish from Illinois Wesleyan University. Carrie is a board member of the Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and a past board member of Meals on Wheels Chicago. Barbara Moran-Goodrich, Board Member Barbara Moran-Goodrich , has spent more than three decades leading innovation and growth in the franchising and automotive aftermarket industries. As CEO and Co-founder of Moran Family of Brands , Barbara oversees a dynamic portfolio of brands including Mr. Transmission, Milex Complete Auto Care, Turbo Tint, Alta Mere Automotive Outfitters, and more. With over 120 franchises in 29 states and internationally, her leadership continues to break barriers — especially as one of the few female CEOs in the automotive aftermarket franchise space. Barbara began her career by co-founding Moran Industries, Inc. in 1990 with her parents. After taking on the role of President in 1999 and eventually purchasing majority ownership in 2010, she rebranded the company as Moran Family of Brands to reflect its expanding and diversified portfolio. Over her 35 years in franchising, Barbara has earned numerous accolades including being named one of the Top 100 Franchises to Watch by Franchise Dictionary and recognition in Entrepreneur Magazine’s  Top 500 franchises. She’s authored influential articles on mentorship, franchisee relations, and leadership development, and has been featured in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal , Huffington Post , Fox Business , and MSNBC . Beyond her business accomplishments, Barbara is deeply committed to civic and industry engagement. She has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA), and played key roles in mentorship and franchise relations committees. She’s also a dedicated advocate in the fight against Alzheimer’s, serving on the Steering Committee for Illinois Women Conquer Alzheimer’s (IWCA)  and co-chairing its Power of Purple initiative. Barbara Moran-Goodrich is a shining example of how strong leadership, vision, and compassion can shape industries and communities alike. Jim Wong, Board Member Jim Wong , is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a track record of building and exiting successful companies. He co-founded Concierge Care and leads its investor group. In 2009, he founded Brilliant, which was named Chicago’s Fastest Growing Company by Crain’s in 2015 and the second-fastest growing staffing firm nationally by Staffing Industry Analysts. He was honored in 2016 on the Staffing 100 List for North America, recognizing the industry’s most influential leaders. Jim also co-founded and sold a finance and accounting staffing firm to a publicly traded company. A CPA by training, he began his career at Ernst & Young and holds a degree in Accounting from Northern Illinois University, where he was named Outstanding Young Alumnus in 2003-2004. He serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards and is a Partner at WW Advisors, LLC, a management consulting firm. Timothy Woods, Board Member Timothy Woods,  Senior Consulting Practice Manager, for Oracle Health, where he lead strategic Project Managers that drive innovation, and deliver high-impact solutions for clients across the South-Central US Region. With over a decade of experience in enterprise consulting and leadership, Tim is known for guiding diverse teams, fostering client success, and driving operational excellence. In addition to his corporate role, Tim serves as a committed Community Advisory Board Member, for the University of Chicago, SHARE Network and Community Rx .  As well as a second year Co-Chair for the Release the Silence African American Conference for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. Tim is a graduate of Tennessee State University, with a Dual Degree in Economics and Finance and serve as Treasurer for the Tennessee State University, Chicago Alumni Chapter.  He an entrepreneur, husband, and father of twin boys. Passionate about Alzheimer’s and Dementia, he was a caregiver for his father, the late Ernest A. Woods, Sr. who succumbed to Dementia in 2021.  His purpose is to educate and advocate for everyone that's impacted by this dreaded disease, and is driven, so his sons will not know a world where Alzheimer’s and Dementia exist. The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter proudly welcomes its 2026 Board and extends heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support!

Carol Shaw-Burns Happy summer! It’s hard to believe we’re already in another fiscal year. Time truly flies when you’re engaged in meaningful work that empowers others — and what a year it has been! As I reflect on my role as Chair of the Illinois Women’s Caregiver Alliance (IWCA), I am filled with gratitude. It has been an incredible honor to work alongside such a passionate and committed group of volunteers and Association staff. Your dedication has been the driving force behind a year marked by growth, impact, and connection. Together, we’ve expanded our presence and deepened our reach through a variety of efforts — from social media campaigns and virtual educational sessions to in-person events and community engagement activities. These collective efforts have made a real difference, welcoming 41 new members  into the IWCA family this year alone. As we look ahead into a new fiscal year, our mission remains strong and clear. We are committed to building on the momentum of our accomplishments and embracing fresh, innovative programs that support, uplift, and engage caregivers across Illinois. There’s more work to be done, but with this incredible community, the future is bright. Thank you for being part of this journey — your involvement continues to inspire and fuel our shared purpose. With appreciation, Carol Shaw-Burns Chair, Illinois Women’s Caregiver Alliance (IWCA)

🎸🎶 Get ready, Chicago — Memory Rock 2025  is coming back and it’s bigger, louder, and more meaningful than ever! Join us for an unforgettable night where music meets mission, as we rally together in support of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter . Date:  Thursday, October 9, 2025🕕 Time:  6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Location:  Tunnel – 151 W Kinzie Street, Chicago This high-energy benefit brings together passionate advocates, music lovers, and community champions for a one-of-a-kind evening. You’ll enjoy live performances by some of Chicago’s best local bands , an open bar , and a thrilling silent auction  — all while raising funds and awareness for a cause that affects millions. Memory Rock isn’t just a party — it’s a movement. Every ticket, bid, and donation brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. So whether you're coming to dance, drink, or donate, you’ll be part of something truly powerful. 🎟️ Snag your early bird tickets now  and consider sponsoring the event  to make an even greater impact. Visit MemoryRockChicago.com  to get started! Let’s rock the night — and the future — together. 💜

The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is the leading volunteer health organization in Alzheimer’s disease care. Serving 87 counties in Illinois, with offices in Bloomington, Lisle, Joliet, Peoria, Quincy, Rockford, Springfield and Southern Illinois. Since 1980, the Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes across the state. In 1979, nine Chicagoland families with personal connections to dementia found there were little care and support resources available for those affected with Alzheimer’s disease. After meeting with National Institute on Aging – they founded, what later became known as the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter – a volunteer-driven, self-help organization offering information and support to those affected. Six years later, in 1986, a group of Peoria-area activists and geriatric health professionals, seeking similar information, established the Geriatric Network, laying the foundation for the Central Illinois Chapter’s affiliation with the National Alzheimer’s Association in 1987.  Since then, our chapters have accomplished many successes together. Last year, our advocates helped secure the largest increase in federal Alzheimer’s disease research funding in history and our request for $400 million increase in the FY17 funding bill. The Alzheimer’s Association has also invested over $375 million dollars into active research projects around globe, including $12 million in funding to Illinois based researchers. While staying on the peak of cutting edge research we offer free educational programs across the state, 24/7 helpline, support groups and online message boards. Today , our chapters have combined resources to become the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. We serve the nearly one million Illinois residents affected by Alzheimer’s disease, including 260,500 people with the disease, throughout our chapter area. We are committed to accelerating the progress of new treatments, care, preventative measures and ultimately, finding a cure.