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Why is the Willis Tower purple today?

Published in Skyline Awareness 2 mins read

The Willis Tower is illuminated in purple today to show support for Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, honoring individuals and families impacted by the disease. This vibrant display is part of a larger effort to raise awareness and foster solidarity for those affected by Alzheimer's.

A Beacon of Support: Willis Tower Goes Purple

Standing prominently on Wacker Drive, the Willis Tower transforms its iconic silhouette with a purple glow. This special illumination is a powerful visual statement during Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, a dedicated period each year to highlight the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and other brain conditions. The choice of purple is significant, as it has become the symbolic color for Alzheimer's awareness, representing hope and the fight to end the disease.

Significance of the Purple Illumination

The decision for such a prominent landmark to "go purple" serves multiple crucial purposes:

  • Raising Public Awareness: It draws attention to Alzheimer's disease, encouraging public dialogue and understanding.
  • Showing Solidarity: It stands as a beacon of support for the millions of individuals living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
  • Encouraging Action: It motivates people to learn more about the disease, support research, and engage in advocacy efforts.

Chicago's Skyline Joins the Cause

The Willis Tower is not alone in this compassionate display. Other notable Chicago landmarks, such as the John Hancock Center on Michigan Avenue, also participate by lighting up in purple. This collective effort across the Chicago skyline amplifies the message, creating a powerful, city-wide show of unity and commitment to the cause. The coordinated lighting of these architectural giants transforms the urban landscape into a canvas of awareness, making the invisible struggles of many visible to all.

Key Facts About the Illumination

Here's a quick overview of why the Willis Tower is purple today:

Aspect Detail
Reason Support for Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month
Symbolic Color Purple (global symbol for Alzheimer's awareness)
Location Willis Tower, Wacker Drive, Chicago
Other Participants John Hancock Center and other Chicago landmarks
Purpose Raise awareness, show solidarity, honor those affected, encourage support for research

By participating in this initiative, the Willis Tower and other Chicago landmarks play a vital role in keeping Alzheimer's awareness in the public eye, reinforcing the message that no one faces this disease alone.