GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) --- The Green Bay volleyball program will be hosting its first-annual Alzheimer's Awareness Night on Friday, October 19 at the Kress Events Center. Pairing with the Alzheimer's Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter, the team will be bringing awareness to a devastating disease that affects millions of people of all ages worldwide, whether that be family members, caregivers, or those diagnosed.

The match will feature your Green Bay Phoenix against the IUPUI Jaguars, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The court doors will open for the evening at 5:00 p.m.

A Cause That Hits Home
This event is deeply meaningful for volleyball head coach Abbey Sutherland, whose mother has been living with Alzheimer's for approximately 10 years. "When I was hired at Green Bay, I told our team that we will serve our community and make a difference. We have a unique opportunity because of our platform and voice, and we choose to make a difference by raising money and awareness for Alzheimer's. In turn, we hope this makes people excited about Green Bay Volleyball and our mission."

She shares her personal experience with the disease, adding, "We are "Attacking Alzheimer's" in honor of my mother, who is 62, and has been living with the disease for about ten years. It is a devastating disease that affects people of all ages, not just the elderly. It's especially hard on caregivers like my father. There is still no cure, no relief, no effective treatment and those diagnosed are growing."

Fans on Game Day
Fans are encouraged to wear purple to raise awareness, and bring cash and change to donate to the Alzheimer's Association during the match's Dash for Cash fundraiser. The Alzheimer's Association will also be accepting donations at the door.

Proceeds will go toward finding a cure and helping enhance the lives of those living with the disease. A check with the total amount raised will be presented the next day, October 20, during the match vs. Northern Kentucky at 4:00 p.m.

As an added bonus for students, the first 400 UWGB students in attendance will receive a FREE Green Bay Volleyball #EndAlz t-shirt.

Growing Awareness
Coach Sutherland predicts that Alzheimer's will continue to become even more widespread in the future. "We need to continue raising awareness. We want people to know they're not alone. If you think something is going on with a family member, there are resources out there and people to talk to. Our family has seen the decline of my mother, and plenty of others have experienced equal devastation. Looking back, it was such a confusing time. I wish we would have reached out for more help."

On the bright side, that awareness is growing, particularly within the volleyball community. The volleyball programs at UW-La Crosse and UW-Stevens Point are hosting their own Attacking Alzheimer's events, encouraged by Coach Sutherland herself.

"Two of my previous assistant coaches (and dear friends) have seen firsthand how Alzheimer's has affected my family, and they also have student-athletes whose families are affected by this horrible disease," said Coach Sutherland. "It is humbling and an honor to be in this fight together."

Ticket Information
We hope Phoenix fans can join us in support of this event and help us #EndAlz. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 for adults, $1 for youth. UWGB students will receive FREE admission.

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