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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is thrilled to welcome new Board Chair, Sandy Prabhaker. Sandy is a Managing Director – Midwest Leader for the Armory Group. He works in investment banking and restructuring advisory services and specializes in Mergers and Acquisitions and Capital Advisory where he advises C-Suite management teams and Middle Market business owners as they navigate complex financial transactions. 

Sandy and his wife Lynn have been event sponsors and connected with the Mission of Alzheimer’s for several years.  He continues to serve as a Planning Committee Member for the annual Memory Rock Chicago event with the Associations’ Illinois Chapter, which hosted its 17^th annual event this year.  

His late Father-in-law (Paul Lemire) passed away in 2007 after a 12-year fight with Frontal Temporal Dementia, which drives his and his family’s passion for helping and serving the Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter. 

Sandy joined the Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter Board of Directors on July 1, 2017, and was recently appointed Chair for the Illinois Chapter Board for fiscal year 2024.

9:30 am to 2:30 pm

About the Annual Symposium:

The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter hosts a research symposium every year in November to honor National Family Caregivers Month – a time to celebrate the contributions of caregivers, increase their awareness and connect them with information and resources.

By hosting this annual symposium, we have the opportunity to bring together over 300 caregivers, patients, families and healthcare professionals to learn about the latest in Alzheimer’s and dementia research and the Association’s role in driving and leading global research initiatives. We are also able to provide the attendees with information, tools, and resources.

Who Should Attend?

Clinical, research, and family tracks are designed for:

• Attendee with early dementia or MCI
• Family, friend, or family care partner* of person with dementia (*Non-Professional)
• Professional I (Professional caregiver, direct care staff, administrator: please note: no continuing education credits offered)
• Professional II (Health and allied health professionals with CEU or CME)

Continuing Education

3.0 CEU, CME credits offered for attendees registered as a Professional II only. The following professionals are eligible for continuing education credit:

• Counselor-Professional/Clinical
• Dietitian/Nutrition Counselor
• Marriage and Family Counselor
• Nurse (APN, RN, LPN)
• Nursing Home Administrator
• Occupational Therapist/COTA
• Physical Therapist/PTA
• Physician
• Psychologist
• Respiratory Therapist
• Social Worker (LSW, LCSW)
• Others, please inquire at omatongo@alzweb

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CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

Location

Feinberg Pavilion Conference Center
Northwestern University
251 E Huron, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60611

Kari-Ann Ryan is a marketing executive with 30 years of experience in marketing for multi-brand and multi-location companies, the service industry, and retail management, as well as working in non profit marketing, event planning and fundraising.

Kari-Ann is the Director of Marketing & Development for Mid-West Moving & Storage and Chicago Office Movers. As the master of visibility, she is responsible for all things Branding and Marketing related both internal and external. She also owns her own marketing consulting business and is a certified business partner for Constant Contact.

At the end of 2022, she started her own non-profit organization called LMJ’s Lost Souls-
Alzheimer’s Fund, focused on fundraising events, awareness, education, resources and
support for Alzheimer’s and Dementia related Disease. She is the president of the board
for this organization. Prior to starting the non-profit, her team donated over $400K to the
Alzheimer’s Association over the past 9 years.

Kari-Ann is also on the Board for the Schaumburg Business Association, the Elk Grove
Village Chamber, and is a past long time chair and top fundraiser for the Northwest
Suburban Walk To End Alzheimer’s. She serves on the Fund the Mission Committee for
the Alzheimer’s Association.

All the work she does as an advocate for Alzheimer’s Disease is fueled by her personal
connection as her grandmother passed of the disease. She is passionate about this
cause and finds purpose in all the ways she and her organization can make an impact.
She is inspired by all the people who support her on this journey and she lives to always
give back.

In the heart of Chicago, a unique cultural experience is about to unfold—an exhibit that transcends generations illuminates the power of memory, and brings forth the resilience of the human spirit.  Through a heartfelt collaboration, the Alzheimer’s Association will exhibit an ofrenda to honor those who have passed from Alzheimer’s and dementia at the National Museum of Mexican art during the Museum’s Dia de los Muertos exhibit – Living Presence beginning on Friday, September 22nd. 

Alzheimer’s is a disease that touches the lives of millions, and within the Hispanic and Latino communities, it strikes with a 1.5 times HIGHER incidence. To address this growing concern, the Alzheimer’s Association, community caregivers and local artist Gabriel Moreno have created an Ofrenda that explores the memories of those who lived with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The Ofrenda, steeped in the rich Mexican tradition of honoring loved ones who have passed, will feature oral histories, cherished family photographs, and treasured objects, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of Maria B. Cerda, Jose R Gonzalez, Abraham Montelongo, and Socorro Rocha. These are the individuals who, while grappling with memory loss, have left indelible marks on their families and communities.

As the dates of this remarkable Ofrenda draw near, we invite you to be part of this collaboration by sharing the news so that all of those affected by this disease can be together to remember their loved ones that have passed. By participating, you not only honor the memory of those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia but also contribute to the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission to create a world without Alzheimer’s.

To celebrate our partnership, we will be hosting an After School Fiesta at the National Museum of Mexican Art on Thursday, September 28th from 3-4:30pm. We are inviting all families to come and enjoy fun activities together. To register, please visit bit.ly/ALZOfrenda2023. 

About the National Museum of Mexican Art:

The National Museum of Mexican Art is a premier cultural institution that showcases 3,600 years of creativity and is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and casting Mexican art and culture. Located in Chicago, it stands as a vibrant hub for artistic expression and cultural exchange.

On Saturday, September 30^th this free educational  seminar will be held at the main branch of the Gail Borden Public Library District in Elgin. The 60- to 90-minute seminar will begin at 10 am. 

The seminar is ideal for the person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other chronic or terminal disease and his or her caregiver or other family members involved in planning for their loved one’s care. 

Participants will learn how to:

• Rebuild their financial plan given the diagnosis.
• Budget for the cost of the disease.
• Locate financial resources available to families to help meet care expenses.
• Have “the talk” about money with their loved one diagnosed with a chronic or terminal disease.  

In addition, there will be guidance provided on coverage of the new drug Leqembi by Medicare. Leqembi was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Leqembi slows progression of the disease. 

It is never too late or too early to plan!

The main branch of the library is located at 270 N. Grove Avenue in Elgin, IL. To reserve a seat, call the library at 847-742-2411 or the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900.