The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) was started in January 2006 by Ami Simms, a caregiver to her mother, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Ami is also a quilter, so starting the AAQI was a natural way for Ami to help make a difference.

All funds raised from AAQI are donated to research so that a cure for Alzheimer's can be found.

Quilters, caregivers, friends, family members and citizens from all across the country are getting involved to help raise funds for Alzheimer's research. If you are a quilter please consider donating a quilt for the Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts project. You can view quilts that will come up for auction at www.AlzQuilts.org. The quilts are beautiful and there is something for everyone's taste as quilts continue to be donated. These little quilts come up for auction at the beginning of every month on Ami's web site and some are sold outright at selected quilting venues. The quilts are no larger than 9" x 12" a perfect size to hang on your wall or frame to display. To date the AAQI has generated more than $60,000 for Alzheimer's research, mostly through the sale of Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts.

"Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece," an exhibit of 52 quilts about Alzheimer's has been traveling the country for almost a year. More than 110,000 people have had an opportunity to see these extraordinary quilts. A 112-page book about the traveling exhibit will be published in June. All profits from the book will be donated to Alzheimer's research. Information about Ami's book can also be found at www.AlzQuilts.org.

The most recent study shows that today 5.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and the number continues to grow.One new person gets Alzheimer's every 72 seconds.

The Alzheimer's Association has a 24/7 nationwide toll free helpline available for caregivers and professionals in 150 languages and dialects. The toll free number is 1-800-272-3900. If you would like more information about the Alzheimer's Association please visit their web site, www.alz.org.

As a former caregiver to my father, I can personally attest to the Alzheimer's Association's ongoing support and compassion. Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 4 years ago and the Alzheimer's Association was a tremendous source of strength for both of us.

As a quilter I can tell you that this will be a fun and worthwhile project to be involved in.

Contact:

Ami Simms

Founder, Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative

Curator, Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece

AmiSimms@aol.com

www.AlzQuilts.org