Seeking Cure with the Color Purple

The Central Coast’s chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has reached their goal of raising $50,000 toward the cure to Alzheimer’s disease, and to celebrate, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse will be lit in purple at dusk this afternoon. A donor in Santa Barbara will match the Association’s earnings with an additional $50,000 donation.

As part of the World Alzheimer’s Month initiative, the organization urges supporters to wear purple, the official color of the movement, originating from the color of the forget-me-not flower. Those who would like to spread awareness of the disease are also encouraged to change their profile pictures to an “END ALZ” icon on Facebook.

Donations and awareness have been especially important for the Alzheimer’s Association in light of the National Alzheimer’s Plan enacted by President Obama and in May. The plan proposes an effective treatment for the crippling disease by 2025, beginning with a 2013 budget proposal of $100 million in additional funding for research, awareness, and education for Alzheimer’s disease.