Did you know that it is expected that by 2050 16 million Americans will be living with Alzheimer’s? That is the population of New York City... TWO TIMES. Let that sit with you for a second. Imagine if you or one of your family members 30 years from now has Alzheimer’s. The reality is, many people already struggle seeing their family members go through this terrible disease. 

 

Sigma Kappa fights to end Alzheimer’s every day. Our mission is to help bring awareness to the disease and help raise money to find a cure. Alzheimer’s is the ONLY disease in the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States that cannot be cured, prevented or slowed. This means that the foundation needs EVERYONES support to continue to raise funding for researchers. For the 2019 fiscal year the National Institute of Health saw a $425 million increase for Alzheimer’s research. ALL THANKS TO YOUR HELP! 

 

The sisters of Sigma Kappa at JMU know this fight all too well. Here is a story from our sister, Julia, about her grandmother: 

“My grandmother started showing signs of dementia when I first came to JMU, so I instantly felt passionate about Sigma Kappas philanthropic initiative to cure Alzheimer’s. As I am now entering my senior year, her disease has progressed into Alzheimer’s. She does not recognize me or any of her children or other grandchildren, she cannot take care of herself, she is often frustrated that she cannot form sentences, and she appears scared that she does not know what is going on around her. I missed recruitment last year, as my family told me she would not make it another week. She would not eat a thing, she could not drink, she would not speak, she slept all day long and would not open her eyes. Miraculously and fortunately, my grandma is still alive today. I am not sure how much time I have left with her, but through watching her experience with Alzheimer’s, I am excited as this new school years comes around so that my sisters and I can raise more money and awareness towards this debilitating and deadly disease. I love my grandma more than anything, and it breaks my heart that she has to go through this.” 

Every donation counts and we hope to have your support. For more information on this disease go to: https://alzfdn.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzJWe35LO5AIVFY_ICh3U5g9XEAAYASAAEgL5c_D_BwE 

 

Sigma Kappa Vice President of Philanthropic Service

Laura DiMartino