Illinois Lotto Game Can Support Families Affeced by Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are nearly 600,000 unpaid caregivers for the more than 230,000 Illinoisans living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. These numbers will continue to rise until a cure or prevention is found. We must address the vital needs of these Illinois families and caregivers who face daily emotional, physical and financial challenges from this disease. As a volunteer advocate with the Alzheimer’s Association, I am committed to making Alzheimer’s a priority in our state because my Mother lived the last year and a half of her life in a dementia unit. The emotional and physical stress I suffered as an only child was devastating.

Our state government needs to become actively engaged in the fight against dementia, and I hope my Representative, Sara Feigenholtz, will work to be a part of this change. When the Alzheimer’s Association surveyed 72 Illinois counties last year, they found that an astounding 87% of residents who have experience with Alzheimer’s disease felt that the State of Illinois was not spending enough on care services for those affected by the disease. It is time to take action by passing House Bill 2673, legislation that will authorize the creation of a "The End of Alzheimer's Starts with Me" scratch-off lottery game in Illinois! This legislation would expand the care, support, education, and awareness provided by the Alzheimer’s Association to families and caregivers who need help tackling Alzheimer’s disease. The best part about this bill is that it would generate private funds - which ensures this initiative doesn't contribute to Illinois' fiscal woes.

As an Illinoisan who has experienced the hardships of this disease, I ask my Representative, Sara Feigenholtz, to cosponsor House Bill 2673 to keep the needs of families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s at the forefront. I look forward to working with you and engaging our state government in the fight to END ALZHEIMER’S!

Dani Jachino