I LLINOIS Sovereign Grand Inspector General Melvin Frierson, 33°
Association to participate in this event. We manned a table that provided handouts, charts, resource listings and other valuable information and services with the intent of raising awareness of this chronic disease known as dementia.
Alzheimer ’ s Efforts across Illinois In 2022, the Illinois Council of Deliberation entered into
a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. Throughout the Orient of Illinois your SGIG’s, GIG’s and Sublime Princes have volunteered to better inform black and brown communities of the resources available in our local areas. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate this disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Since 2020, Illinois has had 230,000 people affected with this disease. It is estimated that in 2025 that number will increase by 13% to 260,000 people. Contrary to popular opinion, though the greatest known risk factors are age and the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, everyone is at risk for this disease. Approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
The Commanders of the Rite, Valley of Chicago, under the leadership of GIG Frank Jarvis, participated in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. The team gathered at Soldier Field in downtown Chicago and prepared to hike the 5K Walk Route. With the sun shining brightly and a cool breeze from Lake Michigan, several Fraters and family members followed the trail from Soldier Field and the Field Museum along the pathway towards Navy Pier. We returned via the pathway along the shoreline of Lake Michigan passing the Shedd Aquarium and concluded at the entry of Soldier Field again. Hundreds of participants were in attendance at the event with ages ranging from youth to seasoned adults. The team from the Valley of Chicago raised $1,600 to support the cause. This contribution was a grand contribution to the million dollar goal where 79% of the funds collected go directly to research and education efforts.
On September 2, 2023, over 40 vendors, resource agencies, food and refreshment courts, a carnival and horse-back rides, served an estimated crowd of over 3,000 residents from the surrounding communities of Waukegan, Zion, Beach Park and North Chicago, at this all day event in Park City, Illinois. Representing North Shore Consistory #91, GIG Raymond Smith, Jr. 33° and SGIG Donnie Merritt, 33° teamed with Mrs. Julie Oseguera, a community educator with the Alzheimer’s
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