Jim and Ruhan Figliulo of Chicago know the extraordinary importance of research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. Ruhan’s mother, Hediye Memishi, died in 2009 at age 65 after courageously battling the disease for 15 years. Upon meeting Dr. Sam Sisodia of the CureAlz Research Consortium, who directs the Center for Molecular Neurobiology at the University of Chicago, the Figliulos asked him to speak at the first CureAlz State of the Mind reception in September, with the hope that attendees would be inspired to support Alzheimer’s research. Approximately 60 guests shared food, drink and stimulating discussion about the impact of Alzheimer’s and the cutting-edge research being funded by CureAlz. Afterward, CureAlz received more than $10,000 in contributions from those who attended.

“Alzheimer’s is such an emotionally devastating disease for many families, including mine, and it’s among the most expensive to try to manage and treat,” said Ruhan. “Our only hope of finding a cure depends on raising as much money as we can to fund breakthroughs in research. The State of the Mind reception is an engaging and positive way to accomplish that goal.”