The Alzheimer's Association Will Turn The City Skyline Purple



The Alzheimer's Association Will Turn The City Skyline Purple

The Alzheimer's Association is turning the Chicago Skyline purple this week (9/9 - 9/14/24). This is in recognition of World Alzheimer's Day and the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Chicago on Saturday, September 21. The Association is making an effort to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and honor those affected by the disease.

Few cities can boast a skyline as iconic as Chicago: powerful buildings that display how the city rose from the ashes of the 1871 Chicago Fire, the city later becoming known for inventing the skyscraper. Two buildings that shine brightly are the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower, 1,450 ft.) and the John Hancock Center (1,128 ft.), both completed in the 1970s thanks to an architect named Bruce Graham, who passed away from complications of Alzheimer's in 2010.

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® on World Alzheimer’s Day, Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Soldier Field (Southeast Lawn), 1410 Special Olympics Dr., in Chicago, IL.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said, Mary DeMars, Alzheimer’s Association Walk Director “We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”

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 connection to the disease. After the Promise Garden Ceremony, participants will walk along the lake and then come back through the Soldier Field Concourse and back to the southeast lawn for a festival filled with live music by the School of Rock house band, family activities, food trucks and more!

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Illinois, there are more than 266,500 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

Contact: Lionell Martin, Public Relations Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, lrmartin@alz.org, 773.593. 4211

About the Alzheimer’s Association - Illinois Chapter:
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is available 365 days a year. Through this free service, specialists and master’s-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public. For more information about Alzheimer's disease or the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter, visit alz.org/illinois or call (800) 272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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