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Simple Steps to Support Brain Health at Any Age Your brain is one of your most powerful assets — and taking care of it is vital at every stage of life. While we can’t control everything about how our brains age, research shows there are simple, daily actions that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of dementia. Whether you're in your 30s, 50s, or beyond, it’s never too early or too late to start. Here’s how you can take charge of your brain health starting today. 💪 Stay Active Regular physical activity benefits not just your body but also your brain. Moving your body helps increase blood flow to the brain, which supports cognitive function and memory. Go for a brisk walk Take a dance class Try strength or cardio exercises Any activity that raises your heart rate and gets you moving is a win.👉 Click here to learn more 🩺 Manage Health Conditions Chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can negatively affect brain health. The good news? Managing these conditions can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Schedule regular check-ups Follow your doctor’s advice on diet and exercise Take medications as prescribed Being proactive with your health now pays off in the long run.👉 Click here to learn more 🧠 Challenge Your Mind Just like your body, your brain thrives on activity. Keep it sharp with mentally stimulating tasks: Learn a new language Do puzzles or play games that require strategy Take up a hobby like painting or music The key is to keep learning and engaging with new challenges.👉 Click here to learn more 😴 Get a Good Night’s Sleep Quality sleep is crucial for your brain to rest, repair, and process information. Adults should aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Stick to a consistent bedtime Avoid screens before bed Create a calming sleep environment Better sleep can mean better brain health.👉 Click here to learn more 🥗 Eat Well The food you eat fuels your brain. A healthy, balanced diet supports both mental and physical wellness. Choose whole, minimally processed foods Load up on vegetables and fruits Include lean proteins and healthy fats Small changes in your diet can make a big difference.👉 Click here to learn more Resources and Support Want to dive deeper into brain health?📚 View Resources – Explore tools and tips to help you protect your brain.🤝 View Partners – Learn about the organizations working to improve community brain health. Supported By The Illinois Brain Health Project is funded in part by the Illinois Department of Public Health, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This project is made possible through a financial assistance award totaling $500,000, with 42% of funding allocated to this initiative by the CDC/HHS. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CDC, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

QUINCY, IL —  The Alzheimer’s Association and the Quincy community are teaming up to turn the town purple on Saturday, June 28 , for “Paint Quincy Purple” —a day of awareness, fundraising, and community spirit in honor of Alzheimer’s Brain & Awareness Month . Community members are encouraged to wear purple, the official color of the Alzheimer’s movement, and visit participating local businesses  to show support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The event will feature a community-wide awareness raffle , with visitors eligible to win a gift basket valued at over $250 , filled with items donated by participating businesses. Participating Businesses: Calftown Cafe DeJa Vu Emerald City Jewelers Kutz by Us Little D’s Sport Club Platt Daddy BBQ Tabletop Treasure Games The District – Farmers Market These businesses will be decorated in purple and will host a range of fundraising and awareness activities, with proceeds supporting the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. How It Works: Visit participating businesses on June 28 Enter the awareness raffle for a chance to win the prize basket Learn more about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and how to get involved Donate to support research, care, and advocacy “Paint Quincy Purple” also serves as a lead-up event to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Quincy , scheduled for Friday, September 20, 2025 , at the Illinois Veterans Home . The Walk is the world’s largest event to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. “Let’s turn Quincy purple and make a difference—one step, one dollar, and one purple shirt at a time,” said Todd Lamison , Walk to End Alzheimer’s Manager. Media Contact: Todd Lamison Walk to End Alzheimer’s Manager Alzheimer’s Association Phone: 508-873-4341Email: talamison@alz.org Join us on June 28 and show that Quincy cares. Together, we can help bring an end to Alzheimer’s—because every action counts.   About the Alzheimer’s Association The Alzheimer’s Association is a global leader in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia—by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Learn more at alz.org  or call 800.272.3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association has launched My ALZ Journey , a free mobile app designed to support individuals newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, along with their care partners. Developed with input from those living with dementia, the app offers personalized guidance and resources to help users navigate the early stages of their journey. According to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, many families feel lost and overwhelmed after a diagnosis. My ALZ Journey addresses this by providing step-by-step support, educational content, planning tools, and links to local programs and support groups. “An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can be isolating and confusing,” said Delia Jervier, executive director of the Illinois Chapter. “This app helps families connect to resources in their communities and online to better face the challenges ahead.” The app features: A personalized dashboard that evolves with the user’s needs Easy access to trusted educational content from alz.org Interactive tools and brain health activities A “community” section to find local events and support programs Direct connection to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter With over 260,500 people in Illinois living with Alzheimer’s—and more than 314,000 unpaid caregivers—the need for accessible support is growing. A recent 2024 survey by the Alzheimer’s Association found that two-thirds of dementia caregivers struggle to find the help they need after a diagnosis. “We hope this tool not only informs families but encourages them to participate in local programs,” said Hadi Finerty, director of community engagement for the Illinois Chapter. “No one facing Alzheimer’s should feel alone.” My ALZ Journey  is now available for free download in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Learn more at alz.org/MyALZJourney .

New Findings and Resources to be Unveiled in Special Program with Leading Experts ILLINOIS  — The Alzheimer’s Association invites the public to join Hope for the Future: 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Update , a virtual webinar program scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST / 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST . This engaging event will feature Dr. Rebecca Edelmayer , VP of Scientific Engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association, who will highlight key insights from the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report . In addition to reviewing new statistics and trends, Dr. Edelmayer will delve into findings from a special report that explores how Americans view early detection of Alzheimer’s  amid evolving treatment options. There are currently 266,500 individuals  in Illinois that are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The program will also spotlight new tools and resources  now available through the Alzheimer’s Association, presented by regional leaders: Erin Gillespie , Director of Programs, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Kentucky & Southern Indiana Chapter Kevin Enders , Sr. Director of Community Engagement, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter Olivia Matongo , VP of Programs, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter “This update is an opportunity to learn from national and regional experts about the current state of Alzheimer’s research, care, and advocacy,” said Olivia Matongo. “We’ll also explore what early detection means for individuals, families, and the broader healthcare system.” Register now to reserve your spot  and be part of this important conversation: tinyurl.com/AlzFactsFigs25Program Media Contact: Alzheimer’s Association Media Relations Email: media@alz.org Phone: 312-335-4078 About the Alzheimer's Association The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit  alz.org  or call 800.272.3900.

As the summer solstice approaches, people across the country are preparing to turn the longest day of the year into a powerful force for good. The Longest Day®, held annually on the summer solstice, is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a global movement to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s and all other forms of dementia. Organized by the Alzheimer’s Association, The Longest Day empowers participants to choose an activity they love and turn it into a fundraising opportunity. Whether it’s running a marathon, hosting a bridge tournament, baking with friends, or organizing a community picnic, individuals and teams come together to raise funds and awareness for a cause that touches millions of lives. Every dollar raised through The Longest Day helps fuel critical research, provide support for caregivers and families, and promote advocacy efforts aimed at ultimately ending Alzheimer’s disease. The event is deeply personal for many participants, who dedicate their efforts in honor of loved ones affected by dementia. “Alzheimer’s doesn’t take a break, and neither do we,” said a Sharon Connolly, Program Manager, Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter. “On The Longest Day, we shine a light on the millions of people facing this devastating disease and show them they’re not alone.” This year’s summer solstice falls on Friday, June 20, but participants are encouraged to fundraise on any day that works for them now and throughout the year. Whether joining a local event or launching their own, individuals of all ages and backgrounds are invited to take part. Here are some great fundraising ideas: Hold a bake sale Organize a read-a-thon and ask for donations for every page or chapter read Host a volleyball, softball or video game tournament Host an office casual dress day at your office Do an Email blitz to friends, family and co-workers Get your kid's sports team to host a car wash, game day tournament or lesson to donate -Whatever your passion or hobby is turn it into a Longest Day fundraiser Contact: Sharon Connolly, Program Manager 847.324.0384 sbconnolly@alz.org To learn more, register, or donate, visit alz.org/thelongestday . Together, we can outshine the darkness of Alzheimer’s—one action, one memory, one day at a time.

Together, we will share information and resources while lifting up voices to advance health equity.  LGBTQ+ adults living with dementia face unique challenges in accessing support: 40% report that their support networks have become smaller over time, 34% live alone and up to 30% experience lower rates of access to care. The Alzheimer’s Association encourages members of all communities to promote their brain health.  It’s never too early or late to take charge of your brain health and learn what steps to take if you or someone you love has memory concerns. Science shows us that adopting healthy habits  may help reduce the risk of dementia. As many as 45% of dementia cases may be attributable to modifiable risk factors, such as high blood pressure and lack of physical activity. Research shows that adopting healthy behaviors — like getting exercise and good quality sleep — may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Whether you provide daily caregiving, participate in decision-making or simply care about someone living with the disease — the Alzheimer’s Association is here for you.  The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to improving public health outcomes for all communities nationwide by reducing risk, expanding early detection and diagnosis, improving safety and quality of care for people living with cognitive impairment, and supporting caregivers’ health and well-being. The Alzheimer’s Association is available all day, every day, with information, resources and support. Call our 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) or visit alz.org/care  for guidance across a variety of caregiving topics. Throughout Illinois, the Alzheimer’s Association hosts support groups for caregivers, families and people living with dementia. To find a safe, confidential and supportive community near you, visit alz.org/Illinois . There are currently 266,500 people living with Alzheimer's in Illinois and over 314,000 caregivers providing care. The Alzheimer’s Association celebrates LGBTQ+ champions who are standing up to Alzheimer’s and other dementia in their communities. Helpful links: alz.org/lgbt alz.org/healthyhabits alz.org/caregiving alz.org/dei 2023 Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Report Our DEI Partners

Shared by: Tammy Joseph Tammy Joseph — a woman whose journey through Alzheimer’s disease has been marked by deep loss, unwavering love, and a powerful determination to create change. Tammy walks to honor four loved ones  — her grandmother, her father, her father-in-law, and most recently, her mother — all of whom were impacted by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. “All four of my loved ones eventually forgot who we were,” Tammy shared. “Unless your family has had this happen to a loved one, it’s very difficult to understand what it’s like to have someone stop speaking to you and look through you with a blank stare because they can’t remember who you are.” Tammy’s father, once a proud farmer who raised horses and pigs, began to lose touch with his past and his identity. Despite no longer living on the farm, he would buy supplies and make plans as if nothing had changed. “One day, he wrote a huge check to enter pigs into the county fair — but he didn’t have hogs to show,” Tammy said. “When I tried to get the check from him to pretend to mail it, he pushed me out of the way. My dad would have never treated me like that before.” Moments like these led to incredibly difficult decisions. Tammy and her family eventually had to take away his credit cards, his driver’s license, and even sell his truck to keep him safe. “My parents lived in a small town, so when my dad was driving on the wrong side of the road, the police brought him home and told us he shouldn’t be driving. He said it was his truck and no one could stop him. We had to sell it just to get it out of his sight.” As his condition progressed, Tammy and her family made the painful decision to medicate her father for his own safety and for the safety of their mother. “What many people don’t understand is how hard it is to make those kinds of decisions — decisions to protect someone you love, even when it means taking away the things that once brought them independence and joy.” For Tammy’s mom, the hardest part was watching the man she knew slowly disappear. Her father stopped talking about the farm, speaking with friends, and eventually barely spoke to his wife at all. “Mom became very lonely. Dad was always a talker, and he just stopped.” Then came the pandemic. In March 2020, when nursing homes locked down due to COVID-19, Tammy could no longer visit her mother or take her out for meals — something she did regularly to keep her mom engaged. “She shut down. Her dementia got worse, and when she got COVID, she didn’t have a chance. We lost her in December 2020.” After witnessing how long and emotionally taxing Alzheimer’s can be, Tammy is more determined than ever to support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. “This disease isn’t quick. In most cases, your loved one will live many years after being diagnosed — and they will need a lot of care. It’s affecting our healthcare system, and in that way, it’s affecting every person who pays taxes.” She added, “It’s rare that I find someone who hasn’t had someone in their immediate family, or a friend diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.” Tammy walks in the Jacksonville Walk to End Alzheimer’s  with a hope that future generations won’t have to endure what she and so many others have. “I walk in hopes of raising money to fund research so that one day, my children won’t be sitting here writing their story of why they Walk to End Alzheimer’s.” Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Find your Walk today at www.alz.org/walk

During the month of June, The Fresh Market will donate 10% of the purchase price of Hall’s Sweet Heritage Butter Tart sold between June 1–30 to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Chef, author and TV personality Carla Hall is using her voice – and love for food – to make a meaningful impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease in honor of her beloved grandmother, Freddie Mai Price Glover. Hall’s granny had a larger-than-life personality, but the thing that she remembers most vividly about her is her food — it was always prepared with love. Hall’s inspiration  for cooking comes from her granny who brought the family together through her food. Ironically, it was changes to Granny’s cooking that first signaled something was wrong with her memory. Soon after, she found out she had Alzheimer’s. In her honor, Hall is an outspoken Celebrity Champion for the Alzheimer’s Association. She speaks out by sharing her story to raise Alzheimer’s awareness, break down the stigma surrounding the disease and generate greater public support for the cause. To mark Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, The Fresh Market will donate 10% of the purchase price of Carla Hall’s Sweet Heritage Butter Tart sold between June 1–30 to the Alzheimer’s Association. These delectable tarts are available in Apple, Cherry, Peach, Strawberry Rhubarb, and Fruits of the Orchard and f eature a buttery oat crust with a hint of almond, a nod to the flavoring Carla’s grandmother loved.   This is a delicious way to make a difference! The partnership  will run in all The Fresh Market’s locations in 22 states throughout the month of June. Find your local The Fresh Market store here . Read more about Carla’s story .

We want to thank all IWCA members and friends for participating in our inaugural, Longest Day: Flower Power Fundraiser. The fundraiser provided an opportunity to choose from a variety of flower bulbs including dahlias, lilies, perennials, seed mats and much more. With each bulb purchase, 50% of sales supports critical Alzheimer’s research, care, and support throughout Illinois. Thank you Ernita Cooper and Misha Mann, our IWCA Longest Day Co-Chairs, for your leadership, creativity, and thoughtful approach in planning our Longest Day Flower Power Fundraiser and the upcoming Planting Hope : A Gardening Event on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10 am – 12 pm. The event will be held at Maxwell Street Community Garden at 1150 W 13th St, Chicago. Let’s come together to plant hope. RSVP to rejameson@alz.org. Founded in 2017, Illinois Women Conquer ALZ seeks to engage and empower more women in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by raising awareness and taking action through fundraising events, education and advocacy initiatives. Women are at the epicenter of the Alzheimer’s epidemic. Join this dynamic group of women and help change the numbers for future generations. For more Information, contact Ryan Jameson at rejameson@alz.org or call 312.210.7094.

By: Eli Graves, Associate Attorney, Peck Ritchey, LLC  How is it possible to plan for the unknown? This is the question many are faced with when seeking  to put their affairs in order, and it is a question that becomes exceptionally more involved for  individuals attempting to account for Alzheimer’s or dementia.   When faced with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia, the most overwhelming aspect can  sometimes be the loss of management and control you have over your affairs. There are many  questions that surround estate planning generally, but there are a few specifically for people who know they may need to plan for eventualities during their own lifetime.   Some of these questions are:  1. What kind of authority do I have, and how can I give it to someone else?  2. What kinds of documents will my agent need to work on my behalf?   3. When does my agent have the authority to act on my behalf?   4. How do I ensure that my plans are followed?   5. How do I avoid the process of court appointed guardianship?   Generally, these questions can all be answered with thorough planning and effective Powers of Attorney, which you can use to appoint an agent who will manage and control your affairs at your direction.   Assigning Authority to Your Agent and the Documents Required to do so.   As an individual, you exercise agency on a day-to-day basis in ways that most people likely never consider. You choose when and where to spend your money. You choose the doctors you see and the treatment you receive. You choose when to delegate decision making to others, and when to disregard their advice to make a decision of your own choosing.   With Powers of Attorney, you can assign any or all these powers to an individual of your own choosing. You get to decide who is vested with the authority to exercise agency on your behalf.   There are two basic types of Power of Attorney. There is the Power of Attorney for Health Care, and the Power of Attorney for Property. A Power of Attorney for Health Care vests another person with the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf, while a Power of Attorney for Property vests someone with the authority to make financial decisions on your behalf.   The Illinois Power of Attorney Act explicitly outlines the statutory powers and duties of an agent, which are generally incorporated by reference in a standard Power of Attorney document. The Power of Attorney Act further allows you, the principal, to expand or narrow the scope of your agent’s authority by indicating which powers they are granted, and which they are not. It is important to consult with your attorney regarding which powers you wish to be included, or excluded, from your Powers of Attorney to ensure that your agent has the authority to execute your plans.  The Springing Power of Attorney and Involving Your Agent in Planning.   Besides the two types of Powers of Attorney, there are also two different methods for determining when your agent will be vested with authority, which can be considered the Durable Power of Attorney and the Springing Power of Attorney.   A Durable Power of Attorney is one that generally grants the agent the immediate authority to act on your behalf. While the Springing Power of Attorney is conditioned upon some future event to  trigger the provisions of the document and grant the agent authority.   The most common events that trigger a Springing Power of Attorney are mental and physical   incapacity. In these instances, your agent is only granted the authority to act on your behalf when medical professionals deem that you are incapacitated, or upon the occurrence of a specific event  which you have previously identified in your Powers of Attorney. You can further use your Powers  of Attorney to establish when your agent ceases to have authority, if you are no longer  incapacitated and you regain the ability to act on your behalf.    This type of Power of Attorney is particularly useful for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia because it allows them the security of knowing that someone, they trust will have the legal authority to make decisions for them. It also affords them the opportunity to have more extensive conversations regarding their wishes and plans with the person who is appointed to become their agent on the occurrence of some future event.   This leads us to the answer to our fourth question, how to ensure your plans are followed. Your Powers of Attorney documents can be as broad or as narrow as you and your attorney want to draft them. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of leaving written documents for others to rely on is the possibility of conflicting interpretations. A Springing Power of Attorney can help you avoid this pitfall because it allows you the time to be actively involved in the interpretation of your own estate planning documents with the person who will be tasked with interpreting them. When you take the steps to proactively establish your estate plan, you can involve your designated agent in the process and further engage in an ongoing dialogue about how you would want them to act in future scenarios that may arise.   Ensuring your agent is familiar with your intentions beyond the language on the face of the Powers of Attorney documents is equally as important as your communication with your attorney about which powers and authorities should be included in the Powers of Attorney to begin with.   Avoiding Court Appointed Guardianship.   A guardianship proceeding begins when the court is presented with evidence that someone is allegedly incapacitated in some form to the extent that they are unable to make decisions for themselves. The action is usually brought by a family member who is concerned with the individual’s well-being and is not sure what to do about it, so they seek direction from the court.   Guardianship proceedings can oftentimes be contentious between family members who believe they know what is best for the incapacitated individual. On top of the potentially adverse nature of a guardianship proceeding, such proceedings take decision making out of the individual’s hands and puts it to the discretion of the court, which generally does not have intimate familiarity with the individual’s desired estate plan.  When the court institutes guardianship proceedings, it is required to hear arguments from all sides and then attempt to construct what the court thinks the most accurate picture of the individual’s intents and best interests are. This can become problematic because the court, as a third party, may find it an impossible task to effectuate the individual’s wishes to the extent that such an individual would do it for themselves.   As the hypothetical person in this scenario, consider how your different family members may argue over what they believe your intent is, and what they each think is in your best interests. Despite the best of intentions, this could still cause strife and discord between family members who all believe they are advocating for you.    The solution to avoid this problem is the same one we have been discussing throughout this article, Powers of Attorney. When you establish a set plan that takes effect in the event you become incapacitated, costly guardianship proceedings can be mitigated or even avoided entirely. Under the Illinois Power of Attorney Act, a duly executed Power of Attorney effectuates your intent, and serves as evidence to the court that you have appointed a person you have confidence in to act on your behalf. Once a court has been presented with your Powers of Attorney, it becomes clear that you have established a plan for yourself, and the court will take into account your expressed wishes. This can help direct the court, ensure your family members are aware of your wishes, avoid unnecessary conflict, and keep down costs.   Overall, the biggest question comes down to who you want to grant authority to another person to manage your affairs. You? Or the court?  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.

At the end of April, the Alzheimer’s Association announced that more than 7 million Americans  are now living with Alzheimer’s disease — a number expected to grow as our population ages. But there is reason for hope . At the heart of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the Promise Garden , where each flower represents how we are all impacted by the disease. This May, we’re inviting you to help “Grow Our Garden of Hope”  — by planting seeds of change, nurturing a movement, and blooming with possibility. Here’s how you can grow your impact this May: Plant your seed: 🌼 Raise $50  and receive a bamboo blossom kit for your windowsill - a daily reminder of the hope you're cultivating. Water your garden: 👕 Raise $100  to earn your official 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s T-shirt ! Watch your garden bloom:  🤍 Raise $300  and receive an exclusive White Stanley Cup  — a symbol of the White Flower from our Promise Garden Ceremony, representing hope for a future without Alzheimer’s. **Incentives must be earned through additional funds raised between May 12-31. Each participant is eligible for ONE T-shirt, which will be shipped the week of the Walk.  Our families, our economy and our communities continue to feel the impact of this disease. But every dollar you raise fuels research, provides care, and brings us one step closer to ending Alzheimer’s.  Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we will grow hope  – and walk toward a world without Alzheimer’s. Register at alzheimers-illinois.org/walk

Doreen’s mother, Barb, has lived at White Oaks at McHenry (Memory Care Community) for about two years. Doreen has three siblings: Victoria, Matt and Lenny. Through visits to the community, the family has bonded with the residents, team members and resident family members. They visit regularly and have developed a following. Residents are attracted to the friendship, laughter and kinship that continues to grow over time. The group often works on projects and has created bird feeders along with other fun projects. When they are at work in the community, everyone wants to join the fun and to Doreen, “They have become my family.” In December of 2024, one of our very artistic residents named Randee approached Doreen and wanted a new project to work on. Randee suggested making bracelets. With no idea how to put these together, Doreen found herself on YouTube and taught herself how to make beaded bracelets. The pair started out with one trip to a local craft supply box store and from there, the movement began. The two gathered twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays and with each gathering, the group grew. Additional family members of residents, grandchildren and residents of all abilities wanted to take part in this crafting adventure. Doreen was able to make adjustments for residents, such as counting out the beads beforehand or organizing colors so persons of all abilities could complete a bracelet. Doreen did not initially start this journey as a fundraiser. It was purely out of her desire to share joy throughout the community. At some point, everyone was perhaps a bit surprised at how beautiful the bracelets turned out. Passerbys were interested in buying the bracelets right off the wrists of residents and a lightbulb went off. Doreen decided to bring the project to The Longest Day on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association.   She brought the idea to Debbie France, Executive Director & Director of Nursing at White Oaks. Debbie embraced the initiative. A flyer was created to support the sales, and ‘Vohasek and Friends Made from the Heart Fundraiser” took flight. Doreen began with a goal of earning $5000 for the cause and has had support from her siblings, her husband and many family members of White Oaks. Some have given funds or purchased beads to donate, others have donated time crafting and still others have physically welded and donated the jewelry stands. It has been inspiring to witness a community filled with passion come together for a cause. Doreen’s family fights in memory of their late father, Leonard, who passed of Alzheimer’s Disease and in honor of their mother, Barb and all of the friends they’ve come to love at White Oaks.  With a lofty goal of $5000 to raise, Doreen has been shopping local deals and steals to make the most of the fundraising. All sales are donated, with no funds being used to pay for supplies. With this in mind, she has been traveling the crafting circuit for several months and this is where Doreen met a woman, she now calls her angel. Nicole met Matt, the family goofball, in the beading aisle and was greeted with “Save some beads for the rest of us!” It didn’t take long for the fundraiser to become the topic of conversation and Nicole was inspired to contribute in a BIG way. She donated completed pieces to include 200 bracelets, 100 earring sets and two boxes with about 50 pounds of beads in each box. She has attended bead sales and contributed shopping bags and supplies such as elastic to complete the bracelets. The fundraiser also spread to local McHenry retailers and the bracelets are on sale at The Trend Celler on Riverside Drive. Store owner, Carol Chrisman, owns another boutique and donated necklaces which Doreen has since taken apart and created stunning bracelets from.  The movement continues to make an impact and watching from the sidelines as it creates inclusion, friendship and purpose has been a gift to the entire community. In a short time, sales have reached $1500 and there are still several scheduled events to come. White Oaks is simply housing the venue for creative crafting, while the individuals bonded like family are responsible for this incredible adventure. Thank you to Doreen, Victoria, Matt, Lenny, and the countless others who have given in one way or another in support of the work of the Alzheimer’s Association. Create your own fundraiser TODAY and outshine the darkness of Alzheimer's. The Longest Day® is the day with the most light – the summer solstice. Join us to fight Alzheimer's through a fundraising activity of your choice on a day that works for you. The funds you raise advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=the_longest_day