One mile at a time; this dedicated walker is one to remember: Meet Dani – 4 of 52 Phenomenal W
- Amy Boyle
- Oct 3, 2018
- 2 min read
Meet Dani:
We met years ago through our local parish. Both of us were volunteering and supporting our church/community at large. I’ve always been drawn to Dani’s welcoming and supportive nature. She has a smile and an energy level that is contagious.
Dani retired from her position as Mergers/Acquisitions Clearance Director at the law firm, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, after 29 years. Before she retired, Dani’s life was touched by Alzheimer’s over 30 years ago when her uncle was diagnosed with the disease. Subsequently, another uncle, two aunts and eventually her own mother would pass from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dani joined the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter Board in July 2007 in order to be more effective in those pursuits and to work with the Chapter to further the Association’s mission. She served as Board Secretary, Fundraising Chair and delegate to the Alzheimer’s Association National Assembly. She also is a member of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, the Association’s sister organization.
In 2018, at the Alzheimer’s Forum, Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) named Dani Advocate of the year. Rep. Quigley (@repmikequigley) said his said his “constituent and friend” is an inspiration. Dani was one of the first advocates to join the Ambassador program in 2010.
This year, Dani’s walk to end Alzheimer’s coincides with what would have been her mother’s 110th birthday – You may join/support Dani’s Walk to End Alzheimers here on or before October 28, 2018: http://act.alz.org/goto/2018DaniWalk. Last year Dani raised $36,000 and her goal this year is to surpass that!
I was absolutely thrilled that Dani wished to shoot her feature at a playground and local garden. We can take ourselves a bit too seriously at times and making time to play and be joyful is a great escape! When Dani is not supporting the Alzheimer’s mission, she volunteers in several ways at Saint Clement Church, including as a member of their Stewardship Council. She enjoys speed walking, swimming and attending theatre.
*** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Dani. This year for my birthday 🎂, I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project
highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. This is week 4 of 52. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!
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