The Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Youngstown State University will spend November helping students become more aware of Alzheimer’s disease.
Andrew England, a YSU junior and a TKE brother, said the disease affects more than 5 million Americans.
“It’s the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States,” England said. “We still don’t know much about what causes Alzheimer’s or how to stop it.”
England said it’s important to raise money for the disease so more research can be conducted to try to find a cure.
The Alzheimer’s Association is TKE’s secondary philanthropy, with their first being St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
When the brothers are not raising awareness for St. Jude’s, they are trying hard to do whatever they can to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s.
“We held Dre Beats raffles on campus in an effort to raise awareness, and we raised over $500 for the Alzheimer’s Association,” England said.
Through their work with the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute, TKE has raised $350,000 nationally for Alzheimer’s research.
Organizations such as the Student Government Association and the Greek Life community have helped out TKE in their fight to find a cure for Alzheimer’s.
Conor Mogg, a TKE brother, said he is thankful that YSU students have helped the fraternity brothers raise funds.
“I think its awesome so many people have participated in our raffles and donated a dollar or two,” Mogg said. “It’s great to know that people actually care to help find a cure for this horrible disease.”
Eric Sage, a senior brother of TKE, said Alzheimer’s disease can affect anyone.
“I think once you see how a disease can impact anyone important to you, it’s important to spread the word,” Sage said.
England said he’s proud that the fraternity brothers were able to raise funds, and he hopes their efforts have made a difference.
“Alzheimer’s is a disease that could affect us or someone close to us, so we should all do what we can,” England said. “Anything we can do helps and gets researchers that much closer to finding a cure.”