Jackie Olkiewicz, named chair of the 2026 Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter Do What You Love To End Alz Campaign
- lrmartin0
- Nov 17, 2025
- 2 min read
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter announced that Jackie Olkiewicz, has been named Chair of the 2026 Do What You Love to End ALZ campaign.
“It is a profound honor to serve as Chair for this meaningful campaign. Alzheimer’s has touched my life in a deeply personal way — my mother battled the disease, and I witnessed firsthand the emotional and physical toll it takes on individuals and their families,” said Jackie Olkiewicz. “I lost her in December of 2023. That experience fuels my commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission: to drive groundbreaking research, improve care and support, and raise awareness for all those affected. This cause is not just close to my heart — it’s part of my story.”
The Do What You Love to End ALZ campaign encourages individuals and communities to turn their passions into purpose—raising funds and awareness to support Alzheimer’s care, research, and advocacy.
“We are thrilled to have Jackie leading this year’s campaign. Her energy, compassion, and dedication to the cause truly embody the spirit of Do What You Love to End ALZ, said Sharon Connolly, Manager, Do What You Love to End ALZ Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter.
Currently, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease — one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Nearly 12 million family members and friends provide unpaid care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. In Illinois alone, more than 266,500 individuals are affected, supported by 314,000 caregivers statewide.
To learn more about how you can participate or start your own fundraiser, visit alz.org/dowhatyoulove.
About Do What You Love to End ALZ
Do What You Love to End ALZ makes it simple to make a difference. By turning your passions, whether cooking, running, painting, or playing music—into a fundraiser, you help advance the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementias. There’s no limit to what you can do when you do what you love.
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