« Video: Brian Vickers skydives into Daytona International Speedway | Main | Kyle Busch cited for speeding 128 m.p.h »Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon raises Alzheimer’s awareness
We cherish the wonderful moments in our lives, especially the ones where daddies and mommies and other loved ones are there to celebrate the occasion.
Dan Wheldon likely celebrated the most dramatic moment in his life Sunday by winning the Indianapolis 500 on the final turn when rookie JR Hildebrand lost control of his car and slammed into the wall. Hildebrand managed to crawl to the finish, but not before Wheldon was able to slide by him for the victory.
“I just felt a lot of relief. It’s an incredible feeling,” Wheldon said. “I never gave up.”
It was one of the biggest ‘wow’ moments in sports history.
But Wheldon will always have one regret:
His mom wasn’t there to celebrate. She was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and was unable to travel to Indianapolis. She is only 55.
Wheldon _ who also won the 2005 Indianapolis 500 winner and is the IZOD IndyCar Series champion _ honored his mom on Sunday by putting the logo of the Alzheimer’s Association on his car to raise awareness for the disease.
“I’m honored to announce my partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association at the Indianapolis 500,” Wheldon said before the race. “My mother was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 55. You can imagine the impact this news has had on me and my family. This is a cause very dear to my heart and I hope that by teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Association, I can help raise awareness on the toll this devastating disease has on individuals with the disease and their families as well as how important early diagnosis is for this population.”
A personal standing ovation, if I may. My beloved mom died from the disease in March of 2009. It is a long, challenging and tragic journey for any family to endure.
Oh what a night! GALAS
Because of you the 24th Annual Alzheimer’s Association Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala was incredibly successful! I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and supported this year's Cover Girl – themed event.I am thrilled to share with you that this year’s gala has already raised more than $920,000, with additional contributions continuing to be received. Words can hardly express how thankful I am for the generosity, dedication and passion everyone has given to make the 2011 Gala such a success.
What a night indeed; an evening full of fabulous food and glamour galore. More than 600 guests enjoyed the lush décor, silent and live auctions, moving speeches and endless dancing. What an honor it has been for me to chair such an important event, surrounded by individuals who are passionately committed to our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease.
Please visit our website to relive the magic of the evening through our photo gallery. For more information about this year’s event or future galas, please contactChicagoGala@alz.org.
With great joy and much appreciation again, I want to say thank you for supporting the Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala!
Gratefully,
June D. Barnard
Gala Chair
Breathing 4 Life's Memory
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