Leesburg Mayor Allyson Berry wants to bring loved ones with cognitive decline out of hiding. She urges us to try harder to come together to find a cure and prevent the devastation of memory loss.
Talking with the Daily Commercial, Berry said that no one should have to keep quiet about their own or a loved one’s cognitive condition.
“As a caregiver, I’ve seen how delicate and important memory truly is,” Berry said. “Our memories hold our stories, our loved ones, and the moments that shape who we are.”
Berry ended the brief commission meeting on May 26 with a touching request:
Wear, decorate, and light up your surroundings in purple to show support for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. She brought accessories to the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce meeting on May 28 to promote the campaign.
“For me, community has always been about bringing people together. I’m always thinking about ways we can celebrate together, give back, and stand in solidarity for something meaningful. One Leesburg!” she said.
Berry is working with the Rotary Club of Leesburg to encourage residents and businesses across the city to help turn Leesburg purple throughout June.
“When I learned the Rotary Club of Leesburg would be celebrating its centennial anniversary, I started thinking about how we could make this milestone something bigger than just a celebration. One hundred years of service is such an incredible accomplishment, and I felt it was the perfect opportunity to unite our city around a cause that touches so many families.”
Berry says June’s mission to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s and other degenerative conditions is much more than a fundraiser.
“It’s a community movement focused on bringing awareness, education, compassion and support to families affected by Alzheimer’s disease,” she added.
Berry urged that the “Purple for a Purpose launch event on Monday (June 1) become the first of many to come.”
“This is an inaugural event, and I hope that awareness and support continue to grow year after year.”
The kickoff event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 1, at Towne Square in downtown Leesburg, with several speakers scheduled, including Rotary President George Waters.
The countdown to the official “light up,” when downtown Leesburg is illuminated in purple, takes place at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple. Special T-shirts, light bulbs, gel filters and yard signs will be available for purchase.
“Purple with a Purpose” month culminates with an Alzheimer’s Awareness 5K run/walk and community event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. The race starts at 8 and will be followed by activities in Towne Square, including food trucks, vendors and a kids’ area.
There is no entry fee for the race. Registration for runners/walkers begins at 7:30 am. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available for both events.
“The vision is to transform Leesburg into a glowing symbol of hope by lighting key corridors, businesses and neighborhoods in purple. So join us, and find your Purpose and make it Purple,” a Leesburg spokesperson said in a news release, adding that “Purple for a Purpose” will serve as the cornerstone of the Rotary Club of Leesburg’s 100th anniversary celebration.
There were also more kudos for the Rotary. “Throughout its storied history, the club has supported numerous community service projects,” the city’s spokesperson said about the Rotary. “Among those efforts are scholarships for local youth, helping organizations assisting with food insecurity and the law enforcement Service Above Self program.”
All proceeds from Purple for a Purpose will benefit local memory care and respite services.
Berry has solicited firsthand help for the event: “I was introduced to a wonderful young lady, Melissa Denham, owner of Dementia Grove. She is the other fundraiser chair who has been a rock star.”
Details: Email turnleesburgpurple@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Leesburg turns ‘Purple for a Purpose’ during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
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