Wisconsin radio broadcasters Paul Braun, Mike Heller, Matt Lepay, Jim Paschke and Brian Posick are teaming up to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
This year, the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s’ (IEA) Goals for a Cure: When We Speak Together, We Change the Game campaign recruited five beloved voices in Wisconsin sports to encourage donations over the airwaves. Public service announcements read by each broadcaster are playing on radio stations across the state, urging listeners to contribute one-time or monthly contributions to UW researchers at goalsforacure.org.
The broadcasters shared their personal connections to the cause and why they support UW’s cutting-edge Alzheimer’s research. Jim Paschke, former Milwaukee Bucks broadcaster, and Matt Lepay, the radio voice of the Badger men’s basketball team, both lost their mothers to Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline.
“I believe the best way to honor her is to use my platform to raise awareness and spread the word of the work being done at the University of Wisconsin–Madison,” Lepay said. “I am in awe of those who work tirelessly in the Initiative to End Alzheimer’s.”
Mike Heller, host of the Badgers Football Radio Network, also experienced the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in his own family.
“It was terribly sad to lose my mom to Alzheimer’s/dementia, but watching my dad go through the process was devastating,” said Heller. “We need to continue to do more in hopes of curing this dreadful disease.”
Over seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops the disease. It’s the only disease among the nation’s top 10 leading causes of death that has no treatment, prevention or cure. The UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s disease aims to improve early and accurate diagnosis, treatment and care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-By Alexia Spevacek
Related:
Goals for a Cure with Matt Lepay