Alzheimer’s disease impacts Tennessee families in every county from West to East, and now Court Clerks across the state, including Blount County’s Circuit Court Clerk Tom Hatcher, Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond as well as Court Clerks in Jefferson, Loudon, Sevier, Hamblen Counties and beyond, are showing their support by participating in the second annual statewide “Purple Out Day” benefitting Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a not-for-profit organization.
“Seeing our state turn purple to show support to the hundreds of thousands of families like mine who have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is incredibly powerful. I know many understand what it’s like to slowly lose a loved one to this brain disease that steals both memories and dignity. My father inspired me to give back – and I hope our loved ones will inspire all of us to come together again and make this month’s Purple Out Day even more memorable.” said Blount County’s Circuit Court Clerk Tom Hatcher.
From Memphis to Mountain City, as many as 205 Court Clerks and their deputy clerks are planning to wear purple and participate in “Purple Out Day” on Friday, July 29, 2016 to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and related dementias as well as raise funds to support the work of Alzheimer’s Tennessee. The state’s Registers of Deeds are officially on board this year for the event that started turning courthouses, justice centers, businesses and communities purple last year.
“Our phones were really ringing last year because of Purple Out Day,” Alzheimer’s Tennessee Executive Director Janice Wade-Whitehead explained. “Those who put on purple raised awareness and funds – plus the educational information available in clerks’ offices helped many connect with Alzheimer’s Tennessee resources. They found help and hope.”
Tom Hatcher and Mike Hammond have already made a personal donation of at least $50 and have invited each deputy clerk in their offices to make a $5 donation.
“If the public would like to pitch in, and other court clerks in the state make similar donations, together we can raise more than the $25,000 we contributed last year to help Alzheimer’s Tennessee continue to expand its services and provide invaluable support to all families across the state ,” said Hammond. “We hope all Tennesseans will put on purple this Friday, July 29, 2016 for our state’s ‘Purple Out Day’. Honor someone you love – or loved. Alzheimer’s has touched my family. It was the hardest things in the world for my wife to ask her grandfather to give up his keys, after he started driving the wrong way down the road and didn’t realize it.”
Here’s how YOU can help “Purple Out” the State: 1) Start by wearing purple on Friday, July 29.
Be sure to take pictures and share your purple pride. Post your photos at ww.facebook.com/AlzTN. 2) Learn about Alzheimer’s disease. Every minute someone in America is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. More than 110,000 Tennesseans are facing the disease and that number is growing. Court Clerk offices across the state have educational materials from Alzheimer’s Tennessee to help you learn about Alzheimer’s and related dementias. For more information go to www.alzTennessee.org. 3) Make a donation.
Along with displaying your purple spirit we hope you will consider supporting Alzheimer’s Tennessee’s mission with a donation. If you visit your Court Clerk’s office to donate, please make checks payable to Alzheimer’s Tennessee.
Donate by mail to Alzheimer’s Tennessee main office at 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville TN 37919. To make an online donation go to http://www.alztennessee.org/donate
Because Alzheimer’s disease and dementia impact at least 110,000 Tennesseans, the Board of Directors for the State Court Clerks Association of Tennessee voted to adopt and support Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a Tennessee-based 501c3 not-for-profit organization that provides support services, promotes brain health through education, and champions research for better prevention and treatment strategies. Court clerks had the opportunity to learn more about the disease at their annual conferences. Information about Alzheimer’s and related dementias will be available to the public through court clerk offices and at www.alzTennessee.org or by calling toll-free statewide 888.326.9888.
About Alzheimer’s Tennessee:
Alzheimer’s Tennessee is an independent 501c3 not-for-profit organization that has been based in Tennessee since 1983 and has the following mission: To serve those facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, to promote brain health through education, and to champion global prevention and treatment efforts. Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. coordinates support groups and answers HelpLine calls for resource referrals and information, offers community and professional education, advocates for the needs and rights of those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and funds research. For more information locally, call 888.326.9888.or visit www.alzTennessee.org
