Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Around one in every three senior citizens die from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. On November 5th, the Memories Matter club hosted a “purple out” football game to raise awareness for the disease. The goal of Memories Matter here at Masuk is to raise money and awareness for this heartbreaking disease.
“In the past we have made chocolate lollipops to sell at parents’ night, went on a walk to end Alzheimer’s, as well as hosted our own. Two years ago, we hosted a polar express event where kids decorated cookies; the proceeds went to the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Laura Crowley, a junior at Masuk and co-president of Memories Matter. For this year’s event, Masuk students not only wore purple for the game but also throughout the school day. As fans made their way down to Benedict Field for the football game against Joel Barlow, they were greeted by purple yard signs, reading “Memories are worth fighting for”, dedicated to loved ones suffering from memory illnesses. Balloons and flags were hung on the fences surrounding the field.
“We had a table set up at the game where we asked for donations and also had a raffle where you could win a bunch of prizes, Alzheimer’s Association products as well as items donated by Starbucks. Along with the raffle we had pamphlets of information and had two of our members selling things. Kayla Andreo, one of the presidents of the club made rings and Karlisse Wills another member of our club made bracelets. Proceeds we made went to support the Alzheimer’s Association.” stated Kristina Klages, a junior and member of Memories Matter. Maria Tomasetti, a member of the National Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut chapter, came to support the club in their fundraising. “We provide programs and services for people with any type of dementia. We have a 24-7 help line where people can call any time for any information related to any type of dementia. We offer care consultations where families can meet or speak with someone in depth to help them with their journey. All of our services are free of charge because of awareness events like this one. We thank the Memories Matter club for organizing this awareness event because we are hoping people will know about our programs and services and reach out to us. ” Friday’s game was a great success in bringing awareness to Memories Matter as well as Alzheimer’s as a whole. Memories Matter made Masuk proud with their strong efforts to raise not only awareness but funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Masuk Free Press 