The 18th Annual Myra Rubenstein Weis Health Resource Center Luncheon Delves into Why “Memory Matters”

An estimated 44.4 million people worldwide were diagnosed with dementia in 2013, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International. With 7.7 million new cases of dementia each year, and as the “boomer” generation ages, almost no family is left untouched by dementia in some way. This makes the theme of this year’s 18th annual Myra Rubenstein Weis (MRW) Heath Resource Center Luncheon, “Memory Matters,” a very important one.

This year’s keynote speaker, James Mastrianni, MD, currently serves as Director of the Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders at the University of Chicago. Dr. Mastrianni is an expert in memory disorders and other neurodegenerative conditions, and is a researcher for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as a member of the neuroscience advisory committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  His research includes neurodegenerative disorders such as mad cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The aim of his research is to understand and correct underlying defects in these “prion” diseases, allowing for a better understanding of more commonly transmittable diseases.  His research also works to predict whether individuals with mild memory problems will develop Alzheimer’s disease in the future.

Proceeds from the luncheon will provide funding for Living in the Future (LIFE) Cancer Survivorship Program at NorthShore. LIFE connects cancer survivors to primary care physicians and local support resources and networks, including the Myra Rubenstein Weis Cancer Survivorship Seminars. These free educational lectures are open to the public and include topics of importance to cancer survivors, including nutrition, exercise and genetics. Funds from this luncheon will also support diabetes education programming at NorthShore.

The luncheon, being held on Wednesday, May 7, at the Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West in Highland Park, will offer complimentary valet parking and will feature a luxurious silent auction as well as enticing raffle prizes. As part of the day’s events, the luncheon will honor Bruce Brockstein, MD, Medical Director of the Kellogg Cancer Centers at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) for his achievements in the field of oncology. The fee is $85 per person with additional sponsorship levels available.

For reservations or more information, please call the NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation at (224) 364-7275 or visit foundation.northshore.org/mrw.     

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

The Myra Rubenstein Weis Health Resource Center is proud to promote health education and health awareness to the communities served by Highland Park Hospital and the NorthShore University HealthSystem community. The Heath Resource Center provides free, easily accessible, broad-based health information to help individuals make informed decisions when it comes to health and disease treatments.

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including an 850+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials and medical informatics. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the organization’s primary philanthropic entity. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute, cardiovascular care, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.