Easter Seals to host the Chicago Glen Campbell movie premiere
by Elsa
Get your cowboy boots ready, Chicago! This Friday evening Easter Seals is hosting the Chicago premiere of “Glen Campbell…I’ll be Me”. The film follows country music legend Glen Campbell on his farewell tour after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011.
I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the film earlier this year, and it’s a must-see! The documentary is a thought-provoking story that pays homage to the power of music and family. Director James Keach, a Golden Globe winner for his work on “Walk the Line,” captures the emotional impact this tragic disease has on the Campbell family.
I’m not the only one singing the praises for the film–Richard Roeper recently proclaimed “Glen Campbell…I’ll be Me” as “one of the most remarkable documentaries in recent years.” The film has been a success in the film festival circuit and won the grand jury prize after premiering at the Nashville Film Festival.
Now you may be thinking, “What does Easter Seals have to do with Glen Campbell, or Alzheimer’s for that matter?” From the moment Glen gets his tragic diagnosis, his loving family steps in as his primary caregivers. Glen’s wife, Kim, handles Glen’s deteriorating health with grace. Glen’s talented children accompany him on tour as his bandmates. Glen holds on to his good-humor and incredible musical gift, thanks to his compassionate caregivers.
When it comes to caregivers and caregiving, that’s what Easter Seals is all about. Easter Seals provides services and support for all types of caregivers, whether these hidden heroes are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, for a returning veteran, for an adult with an intellectual disability or for a child with special needs. Easter Seals wants to show the 66 million caregivers nationwide that they’re not alone.
Beyond caregivers, this is a film that will resonate with all generations. Whether you grew up singing along to “Rhinestone Cowboy” or you count Taylor Swift as your peer, you will find this film to be both entertaining and educational.
I especially encourage my millennial peers to view the film. As a 22-year-old blessed with two healthy parents, I haven’t really thought much about my own eventual role as a caregiver. We grow up to believe our parents are invincible and that their primary responsibility is to care for us. All too often, this role reverses before we’re prepared.
An increase in average lifespan has led more people into the caregiver role at a younger age. Glen’s daughter Ashley, an up-and-coming country musician, is only 27. Gen X and Y must prepare themselves as the next generation of caregivers.
Early next year, MassMutual is releasing a study based on this new face of caregiving. In the meantime, I hope my fellow Chicagoans will join me and register for the November 7 premiere. For those not in the Chicago area, check out the official “Glen Campbell…I’ll be Me” website to see when it’s coming by a theater near you.
Plus, share your love and admiration for a caregiver in your life with a photo or message on www.loveisagift.com and our friends at Mass Mutual will donate $5 to Easter Seals for every post!
November 7th, 2014 at 9:48 am
Hi Cherry,
I’m emailing you information right now!
November 7th, 2014 at 3:50 am
Hi
Please Help!
I signed up for 2 tickets for the tonight’s event at the park west on October 29th. I have not received my tickets or confirming email.
I want to make sure I am on the list.
Thank you for any assistance you can offer me.
Cherry Theard