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:
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 30th 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.
For over a decade, Holly Koontz has participated in the Peoria area Walk to End Alzheimer’s in honor of the family members she has lost to Alzheimer’s disease. She sits on the Marketing Committee and provides day-of event support year after year. Participating in Walk is her way of maintaining hope for a future without the disease.
Holly has witnessed family members face Alzheimer’s disease and dementia since she was in her teens. “I was a caregiver for my grandpa when I was in high school to give my grandma a break on Sundays. It was my first encounter with Alzheimer’s…My grandma did so much to keep him home instead of a care facility.” Tragically, Holly’s exposure to the disease didn’t end there.
Holly saw multiple aunts and uncles succumb to the disease, and one of her uncles is currently living with the disease. She knows her experience is not unique. “This impacts most every family I know at some point in time.”
“I’ve lost two grandparents on opposite sides of my family [to the disease],” shares Holly. “I fear that one or both of my parents will get it as there is so much family history.”
“This disease is so very sad,” Holly says. “The person with it may not know what is happening but the loved ones see every day how that person is lost within themselves.”
Participating in the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Peoria Metro is Holly’s way to “memorialize my family members who have been lost to the disease and honor those who currently are battling it.” This will be her fourteenth year involved in the event.
“It gives me hope that treatments will be created and ultimately a cure,” shares Holly. “Someone once said to me that it’s so easy for people to donate to childhood charities or animals but we often forget about the issues that impact the elderly.” She acknowledges that all of these causes are extremely worthwhile, but Alzheimer’s has special meaning to her. It’s where she focuses most of her energy. For Holly, it’s a way “to thank my grandparents and aunts and uncles for all they did for me.”
Honor your loved one by registering for the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in your community. Get started at alz.org/walk
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is thrilled to welcome four new members of our Board of Directors for fiscal year 2024 along with a new Board Chair. Our new board members commit their talents, passion, time and connections to strengthen the fight against Alzheimer’s. We thank them for their commitment to our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, and we look forward to accomplishing incredible things together in the year ahead.
Sandy Prabhakar is a Managing Director – Midwest Leader 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 will be hosting its 17th annual event in 2023.
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.
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 Diseases. 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.
Rev. Frank C. Walton is a licensed and ordained minister, and affectionally, called Pastor Frank throughout the Chicagoland area and the West Coast.
He is married to Pam Morris-Walton, the renowned Gospelsister of Chicago and together they have collaborated on various events including weekly radio and television broadcasts, Bud Billiken Gospel Fest in Chicago, Black Marriage Chicago, and Weekly Senior Services and have served as Ambassador for the Bernie Mac Foundationalong with hosting numerous Gospel events.
While on the West Coast, Frank had several business roles in both King & Pierce County of Washington State with his professional activities – The Salvation Army, Urban Ministries, Inc., Tacoma Ministerial Alliance, Tacoma Black Collective, Tacoma Sunrise Rotary and Tacoma / Pierce County Chamber of Commerce.
His role in Corporate America advanced a well-rounded background in the areas of sales, customer relationships, employee morale and finance. While the positions held in the nonprofit organizations enhanced his expertise of boards with strategic planning and fund raising.
Frank is humbled and honored to be a 2017 joint recipient along with his wife Pam of an Honorary Doctorate Degree from GMOR Theological Institute of America Midwest Region.He is also recognized as one of the 2017 Most Distinguished Men of Illinois. Frank is an inductee of the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio and was the GMWA/GAG 2009 Gospel Announcer of the Year. Several other notable awards include the National Jitsuo Morikawa Evangelism Award, from the American Baptist Churches of USA, numerous awards in broadcasting in honor of renowned broadcasters who exemplified commitment to the communityand other acknowledgments for his effective leadership.
Many know Pastor Frank as a strong, confident, and articulate leader with a passion for serving others. In addition, to having served congregations in Wheaton, LaGrange and his current intentional interim pastoral duties at Community Baptist Church of Warrenville, IL, he serves as President, of the American Baptist Churches – MetroChicago and on several boards including the LGSSF and most recently the Alzheimer’s Association of Illinois.
Bruce Hopple joined Avison Young in 2018 as a Senior Vice President on the tenant representation team. Bruce focuses on new business development and transaction advisory services for professional service firms, not-for-profits and local and national corporations. With more than 25 years of commercial real estate experience, Hopple is an expert in financial and market analysis, negotiation and commercial real estate trends. Hopple was most recently a senior director with Cushman & Wakefield in Chicago.
During his career, Hopple has completed transactions for his clients valued at more than $2 billion, ranging in size from 1,000 square feet (sf) to 150,000-sf headquarters locations. A consistent top producer, his clients include American Board of Medical Specialties, Chicago Stock Exchange, CPG International; Gibbs & Soell; Landrum and Brown; Leadership Greater Chicago; March of Dimes; The Posse Foundation; SKF USA; Wonderlic, Inc.; Woolpert, Inc.; and Zurich Insurance.
Prior to joining Cushman & Wakefield, Hopple was a senior vice president at Colliers International and The Staubach Company. Before his career in commercial real estate, Hopple served as in-house counsel for Chase Bank in Ohio and was a senior administrator at the University of Cincinnati.
Hopple’s community service has included board positions with USO of Illinois, March of Dimes, Leadership Greater Chicago Fellows Association, the Pilsen/Rauner Family YMCA and Chicago Office Leasing Brokers Association (COLBA). He holds his juris doctorate and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati. Hopple is a licensed real estate managing broker in the State of Illinois and is admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Barry Masek, former Senior Partner and now Retired Partner (Partner Emeritus) at Baker Tilly, 2006 to present. Executive VP, CFO and Treasurer at Temperature Equipment Corp, 2000 – 2005. Audit Partner at Arthur Andersen, starting as staff, 1979 – 1999.
Over 40 years of experience serving middle-market and large manufacturing and distribution companies, including public and private equity owned. Held several leadership roles at Baker Tilly and served on the Baker Tilly’s Board of Partners. Prior to joining Baker Tilly, Barry was the chief financial officer for a distribution company. Prior to that, he was a partner with Arthur Andersen.
Has led large engagement teams serving middle-market and large companies, including public and private equity-owned companies. Assists companies with merger, acquisition and due diligence transactions. Specializes in assisting companies with multiple entities, multiple locations and international operations. Lead advisory relationship partner on large public company projects, including restatements, internal audit and SOX service – working closely with management and audit committees.
EVP and CFO, changed Banking relationship and healthcare service provider for better service and lower cost Led implementation of first-time, fully integrated ERP system. Industry specialization in manufacturing and distribution.
Industry and civic involvement:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Illinois CPA Society, Association for Corporate Growth, Illinois Venture Capital Association, Clearbrook, Chair of the Board of Directors, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation, Board of Directors member, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, Finance Committee, formerly on Audit Committee, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, School of Accountancy, Advisory Board
The Summer Solstice may have passed for this year, but the fundraising hasn’t stopped the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day campaign. Two guys from Peoria Illinois, Bob Fussner and Jody Summers, are hosting the first Vintage Bike Ride to End ALZ.
Mr. Fussner is an avid collector of vintage bicycles, and Mr. Summers enjoys riding. Dementia and Alzheimer’s have touched both of their families. So, they thought why not DO something they love FOR someone they love, and raise some money to help fight a disease that has touched so many lives, not just in Illinois, but worldwide. The two hosts state that although the ride is themed as vintage bikes, all types of riders and bikes are welcome.
The event will take place on Saturday, August 19, 2023. Registration and packet pick up will start at 11:00 am next to the water tower at Junction City Shopping Center in Peoria. The ride will leave Junction City at noon, head south on the Kellar Branch Greenway bike trail, and proceed to Oliver’s in the Heights. After a quick stop, they will proceed down Prospect Ave. in Peoria Heights to Pour Bros. Taproom for a mid-ride break. After the break, riders will cross Prospect and jump back on the bike trail to head back to Junction City.
“We realize this is a short ride,” says Summers, “but vintage bikes are heavy, and it may encourage families with smaller children to ride the shorter distance.” They will have vintage bikes on display and hope to have snacks, drinks, and music if ridership numbers increase.
Registration for the ride is $30.00 per rider. T-shirts and goodie bags will go to the first 50 registrants. You can also register at the time of the ride at Junction City. Several outstanding businesses have also donated to the ride including Russel’s Cycling and Fitness, The Tavern on Prospect, Junction City Pub, Trefzger’s Bakery, Oliver’s in the Heights, White Income Tax, and Olio & Vino.
Although this is our first try with a fundraiser, we hope it will develop into a larger event with a bicycle swap meet, live music, and food vendors in future years.
For more information, please contact Jody Summers at (309) 472-3189, or j.summers64@yahoo.com.
Siblings Chase, Cody, Hallie, and Jacob ran the Bank of America Chicago 2022 Marathon on team ALZ Stars to raise awareness and funds for a cure. The four Wombacher siblings totaled 104.8 miles—not including the many miles spent training and completing previous marathons.
Every stride is meaningful for the family. They ran in honor of their Grandma Toot, who is currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and their Great Aunt Donna, who passed from the disease in 2018.
The Wombacher siblings shared, “We went the distance with the Alzheimer’s Association ALZ Stars®, a program to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Association. We ran not just for our Grandma Toot and Aunt Donna, but for all those who have been affected by this terrible disease both directly and indirectly.”
Their Grandma Toot has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for some time. Cody shared about his grandma, “When Grandma Toot was diagnosed with Alzheimers, it hit hard. She was always so strong and independent. Growing up across the street, she was always the first to see me when I arrived home from Chicago and the last to say goodbye before heading back.
“Grandma Toot is a fighter and a competitor,” he shared. She taught the four siblings and their cousins how to be good competitors, starting at the golf course she owned.
”We are lucky enough to still have Grandma Toot with us today but sadly Alzheimers has taken away so much of what we know and love about her…Though she is not the same person she used to be, getting to see those small glimmers of her personality, feistiness and humor come out is truly the greatest feeling in the world!”
In addition to their grandma’s journey with Alzheimer’s, the Wombachers lost their Great Aunt Donna to the disease in 2018. She was like another grandma to the siblings. Having no children of their own, they spoiled the four kids generously.
The Wombacher team, nicknamed Wombie Runners, includes novice and experienced marathoners alike. This is Hallie and Jacobs’ first Marathon, Chase’s third, and Cody’s twelfth marathon! Chase and Cody live in Chicago; Jacob and Hallie live in Iowa City, IA. When they’re not training, they spend time with their families. Some of their favorite post-run treats include chocolate milk, cold beer and Tootie Burgers—a family staple of legendary proportions.
“Running has always been a part of our family,” shared Cody. “And what better way to honor and help bring awareness to this disease than to run a marathon together.”
We need your help to make a difference in the lives of your members
People facing Alzheimer’s and dementia often turn to their faith communities for emotional and spiritual support. People who have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, especially those raised in religious households, are uplifted by worship services and visits. They often have the desire to continue to partake in church activities.
Family members also have spiritual needs. Caring for a loved one can last for years, leaving the caregiver weary, isolated, frustrated, and depressed. At the same time, they may grieve the many losses of this journey. The Alzheimer’s Association recognizes the importance of spirituality and has developed programs to partner with congregations providing education and support to their members.
The Alzheimer’s Association partners with faith-based organizations and communities to help provide resources and education, and raise awareness of the disease. We do this through collaborative action plans which are organized by the faith organization’s leadership and our Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter team. If you are interested in partnering with us, please reach out to Amelia Garza at amgarza@alz.org.
PURPLE SUNDAY
Purple Sunday is a community event to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease in communities through houses of worship.
By hosting a Purple Sunday event, churches can help their congregations learn more about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, risk factors, warning signs, the importance of an early diagnosis, the diagnostic process, and helpful programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Association. Each faith-based group hosts Purple Sunday in different ways including:
• Providing materials on a table
• Devoting one sermon or bible study to issues surrounding faith, aging, and dementia
• Asking members to wear purple during a Sunday service or faith event
• Praying with a purpose circle for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Hosting an Alzheimer’s Association education class or awareness presentation
If you live or worship in Illinois and are interested in hosting a Purple Sunday at your house of worship, contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s Illinois Chapter at 800.272.3900 or pbennett@alz.org for more information.
There are good days and bad days for Danielle Spaar. She is a caregiver to her parents, including her father who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. A former Marine, her father “was the one everyone could depend on,” said Danielle. “He was the calm parent to talk to about your problems.”
Danielle and her father had a difficult day recently when they returned home from a family vacation. Their routine was out of sorts, and emotions were high on both sides. However, the challenging day grew into a useful exercise in vulnerability for Danielle.
“As a very independent person myself, I can’t imagine how he is feeling. Being so out of control of the things happening to him…I’m still glad I let him see ‘behind the curtain of strength,’ just for a moment,” shared Danielle.
Danielle grapples with being open about her struggles as a sandwich caregiver—caring for a parent and child at the same time—and describes how vulnerable she feels as both a mother and a daughter. Danielle describes the first time that her daughter saw her cry, and how this experience caused her to reflect on what it means to be a parent and to show your emotions.
Danielle reflects on the man her father was before his illness—a “ripped” young man who enjoyed exercise and entered the Marines in the middle of culinary school. Now, she notes that her father finds comfort in the simple things. He enjoys listening to music from the 60s and watching old movies with his family. Danielle and her father enjoy a routine of morning walks with Danielle’s labradoodle, Tony, as they engage in “familiar” conversations.
Danielle recalls times when her emotions got the best of her and she lashed out towards her father in frustration. She has an important reminder for other caregivers: “Don’t bottle all [of] that hurt inside.”
Through the Alzheimer’s Association, Danielle benefited from the Care Consultation program and Early Stage Support Group. She sees parallels between the struggles that she experiences as a caregiver for her father and managing the behaviors of her teenage children.
For now, Danielle plans to continue making memories with her father—“ones he will not remember, but I will,” said Danielle. Her story highlights the complexity of staying compassionate with a loved one living with dementia and the fatigue that can accompany being a caregiver. Feelings of uncertainty, frustration, and sadness are common, and it is important to seek emotional support as needed.
The balance of caregiving for a parent while parenting children is complex. Resources and support are available. Find a support group to connect with individuals who know what you’re going through here. Other resources are available at alz.org/illinois/helping_you.
Contributor: Amanda Wisinger, Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer
