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Sigma Kappa Supports Alzheimer's Association With $1 Million Gift

Sigma Kappa Supports Alzheimer's Association With $1 Million Gift
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July 19, 2016
Email: media@alz.org
Media Line: 312.335.4078
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Sigma Kappa Foundation presented the Alzheimer's Association with the $1 million lead gift for the Women's Alzheimer's Research Initiative at Sigma Kappa's 87th National Convention held in Chicago. The gift will fund innovative research focused on women including studies to understand why more women are living with this disease and studies led by female researchers working to advance Alzheimer's and dementia science. This commitment places Sigma Kappa among some of the largest private donors to Alzheimer's research.

The Alzheimer's Association Women's Initiative will engage 1 million women in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's — of the 5 million Americans living with the disease, two-thirds are women, and 60 percent of caregivers are women.

When the $1 million pledge was made by the Sigma Kappa Foundation in 2014, Carolyn Tieger, Foundation Trustee and Sorority alumna from the University of Georgia, challenged her Sigma Kappa sisters to raise half of the pledge in two years rather than five the Alzheimer's Association provided, and she would match it. Through the generous donations of Sigma Kappa members, friends and family, more than $500,000 was raised to meet the challenge for Tieger's $500,000 matching gift. Tieger said, "I have never been more proud to be a Sigma Kappa. Our gift, achieved in record time, will jump start the Women's Research Initiative and provide hope to millions of Alzheimer's victims and their families."

"Since 1984, Sigma Kappa has donated $4.64 million to advance the fight against Alzheimer's disease," said Sigma Kappa's outgoing national president, Cheri De Jong. "We recognize the impact of this disease, especially on women, which is why our members are committed to this cause."

"This $1 million gift to the Alzheimer's Association completes the first phase of our $5 million Shared Hearts. New Heights. A Campaign for Sigma Kappa, focused on leadership, scholarship and philanthropy efforts for Sigma Kappa," added Foundation President Sarah Womble.

For more information on Alzheimer's disease, visit alz.org.

Sigma Kappa Foundation
The Sigma Kappa Foundation's mission is to create and fund leadership, scholarship and philanthropic initiatives that reflect the values and spirit of Sigma Kappa Sorority.

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.

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