AAQI Quilters Stitch Us Closer To A Cure

Dr. Mi Hee Lim
University of Michigan

The quilts you make and the quilts you purchase through the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative have again moved us forward in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Research, funded in part by a $60,000 grant from the AAQI, has helped scientists at the University of Michigan understand more about Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Mi Hee Lim and an interdisciplinary team of scientists at the Life Sciences Institute and the Departments of Chemistry, and Biophysics have been working with a molecule found in green tea known as EGCG. They recreated the molecule in the lab and found that it prevented the mis-folding of proteins found in the Alzheimer’s disease brain, specifically metal-associated amyloid-beta. It also broke down existing amyloid plaques in the brain, the pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. This information could eventually lead to a potential therapy for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Results of the University of Michigan study were recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (www.AlzQuilts.org) derives most of its revenue for research from the sale of donated quilts. To date, that’s more than $904,000. If you have threaded your needle or opened your wallet for the AAQI, you have made a difference. If you haven’t, it’s not too late to contribute by making a quilt, purchasing one, or making a monetary donation.

While 2013 is the AAQI’s last year to receive quilt donations (the deadline to donate a quilt is August 1st) and the last year to sell quilts, we are not winding down, we are gearing up! We are sprinting all the way to the end of 2013 when we hope to break the ONE MILLION DOLLAR mark in funds raised for research.

The AAQI has been invited back to International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX (October 30-November 3) . 

This single event is our only “in person” sale. In four and a half days, we can sell almost as many quilts as we sell during the entire year online!  

Last year we sold 2,185 quilts for a whopping $75,000. We don’t have that many quilts in stock for the 2013 sale…..YET!
 
Click here to help!
Ami Simms
DISCLOSURES


 Quilters Stitch Us Closer To A Cure

Posted on March 27, 2013 by AAQI Volunteer  

Michele Bilyeu blogs With Heart and Hands as she shares a quilting journey through her life in Salem, Oregon and Douglas, Alaska and all of her AAQI Quilting. Sharing thousands of links to Free Quilt and Quilt Block Patterns and encouraging others to join in the Liberated Quilting Challenge and make or donate small art quilts to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) Help us change the world, one little quilt at a time!

AAQI News Flash!

 Quilt Presented to Researcher at Johns Hopkins

Posted: 23 Mar 2013 02:48 PM PDT

Didi Salvatierra from BelAir, Maryland, recently hand delivered a quilt made by AAQI Board Member Kathy Kennedy-Dennis to Dr. Soane and his colleagues. The researchers, from Johns Hopkins, were the recipient of the AAQI’s 14th research grant.

Xinchen Teng, Ph.D, Lucian Soane, M.D., Cierra Sing, Ph.D. student, Feria Ladha, Ph.D. student, Heather Lamb, Ph.D., Pavlik, Philip , Ph.D. student, Polan Santos, M.D., Huska, Jason, Ph.D. student, and Kyle Metz, Ph.D. student.

Didi shares her experience below:

“My husband (the official photographer) and I met Dr.Lucian Soane in the lobby of the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. He was very welcoming and ushered us to the 5th floor where we met Dr. J. Marie Hardwick, Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. We were introduced and then proceeded to a conference room where a group of graduate student researchers had gathered. We were served tea and cookies (a nice touch, I thought).

After introductions and pleasantries, I told them about the AAQI.  They were quite amazed at the scope of the project and the success in fundraising in seven short years.
I was left with a distinct impression that they were touched by the “personal” nature of this disease for so many people across the country. It really seemed to validate the work they are doing.

The quilt was passed around the table so everyone could have a closer look. I also took in a Priority mailing envelope and 6 small quilts of the type that have been donated and purchased to further the AAQI mission. Needless to say, these scientists were very impressed! I emphasized the volunteer nature of the organization, and its scope of being nationwide.

I also shared the fact that previous grants have been given to other universities around the country. Dr. Hardwick found that especially interesting. At the end, we took photos.

There was much discussion about where the quilt will hang in the department and that it should be encased in something that will allow both sides of it to be seen. Dr. Soane then took us one floor below where we had a glimpse through side windows into the labs where the research is conducted (using lab mice).

Dr. Soane did his university studies in his native Romania before coming to John Hopkins in 2009. He is a research physician who occasionally teaches, but the research is his passion. This was very evident as he shared with us details of cell death and how it applies to neurological diseases, such as Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

In total we were there almost two hours. A very worthwhile visit to such an outstanding school. I was very honored to be AAQI’s ambassador to meet the recipients of one of our grants.”

 And all I can add is 'Thanks so much Didi and family! Looks like you did AAQI proud and we sure appreciate your efforts!


Michele Bilyeu blogs With Heart and Hands as she shares a quilting journey through her life in Salem, Oregon and Douglas, Alaska and all of her AAQI Quilting. Sharing thousands of links to Free Quilt and Quilt Block Patterns and encouraging others to join in the Liberated Quilting Challenge and make or donate small art quilts to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) Help us change the world, one little quilt at a time!

Our AAQI Quilts Available for Purchase!

Updated for 2013:

The amazing members of our own Liberated Quilting Challenge for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) have donated so many more small format art quilts that you really just need to take a long, admiring look...and then...think about buying one or two (or maybe even more!) of them.

And while our wonderful founder of AAQI, Ami Simms, is moving many of them onto the Quilts For Sale page, new ones are added all of the time. So, just keep checking!

 Or you can just hop on over to our own group page at: 
   Liberated Quilting Challenge

IF you see a little box by any that says : ADD TO CART...well, that means you can still buy it!!! Otherwise...sorry folks..some one beat you the little beauty!

8079 – Simply Tulips

$20.00

8079

8560 – My Mind Is Spinning

$30.00

8560

8569 – Fractured $40.00 8569 8679 - Pink Reeds $35.00 8679 8680 - Line Dried Sheets $25.00 8680 8690 - Fade To Black ($60) 8699 - House of Love 8715 - Girl in Oval Crazy Quilt ($60) 8738 - The Power of Transition ($55) 8745 - Jacobean Partridge I ($65) 8746 - Jacobean Partridge II ($90) 8747 - Jacobean Poinsettia ($90) 8748 - Peace on Earth ($80) 8749 - Angel with Manger ($60.05) 8750 - Hope Angel ($89.62) 8751 - Joy Angel ($69.28) 8757 - Little Blue Lamb ($55) 8769 - Christmas Tree ($55.43) 8772 - Number 20 for AAQI ($41.57) 8774 - Hosanna! ($60) 8798 - Wild Hearts 8825 - Frazzled ($55) 8827 - Christmas Star ($32.33) 8828 - Water On Mars ($32.33) 8829 - 55 Alive Grandmother's Fan ($55.43) 8835 - Traveling Santa 8838 - Christmas Time 8953 - Don't Worry, Spiders ($75.00) 8954 - Let Me Entertain You ($70.00) 8979 - Jingle Brains ($45) 8988 - Hint of Spring ($36.95) 8995 - Be Yourself ($155) 9041 - Bubbles ($40) 9043 - Blues and White 9044 - Crystal Blue Persuasion ($80) 9125 - Change and Transition ($175) 9199 - A New Vision ($69.28) 9216 - Christmas Sampler ($50) 9217 - Snowflake ($41.57) 9218 - Fall Bargello ($41.57) 9230 - Whirligig Roundup ($60) 9231 - Whirligig ($65) 9260 - Cowboys & Cowgirls ($45) 9270 - All Day Long ($$65) 9277 - Can You See Me? ($65) 9285 - Heart Felt 9372 - Good Day/Bad Day ($40) 9400 - A Dream Within A Dream $75.00 9400 9434 - Sittin' Pretty ($115) 9436 - Falling Leaves ($41.57) 9437 - The 20's With A Twist ($145) 9443 - Pretty Bird ($50.81) 9462 - Rose Of Sharon ($60.05) 9463 - Red Heart Whirled ($70) 9467 - Crazy for Citrus ($50) 9471 - Fishies ($41.57) 9472 - Cotton Candy and Apricot 9500 - Fine Feathered Friend ($125) 9529 - Solids with Yumi ($65) 9530 - Jazzy 9531 - Swimmin' Under the Starlight 9532 - Uncharted Area 9533 – Swimmin’ in the Wonderland $45.00 9533 9534 - Love 9564 - Leave The Light On ($50) 9565 - Love Shacks ($50) 9581 - Warm and White $40.00 9581 9621 - I Believe In...Childhood Innocence ($50.81) 9622 - Puttin' on the Glitz ($64.67) 9624 - Lucy's Last Tea Party ($60.05) 9625 - The Wave $50.00 9625 9648 - Changing the World ($90) 9654 - Scottie ($50) 9697 - Lollipoppies ($69.28) 9716 - Tau Tangles ($60.05) 9726 - Rough Around the Edges 9736 - Mother ($85) 9736 - Mother ($85) 9738 - Birdcage ($69.28) 9740 - Balloons in Autumn 9744 - Come On Get Happy ($45) 9759 - Rays $40.00 9759 9769 - Bright Spot ($35) 9780 - Leaves 9917 - Steps to the Cabin 9918 - Tiny Bits I 9919 - Tiny Bits II 9920 - Lazy Logs 9921 - A Simple Basket $50.00 9921 9922 - Crazy Basket 9923 - Tiny Treasures 9924 - Itty Bits 9934 - Six of One ($100) 9935 - Hokey Pokey ($155) 9936 - Strata Various ($100) 9937 - Enigma Variation ($100) 9938 - This Is It ($100) 9943 - Pale Rose ($100) 9944 - Lucky In Love ($85) 9991 - Tranquil Landscape 9992 - Tied Together By Love ($55) 9998 - Crossed Circuits ($75) 9999 - Bright Featherweight Trees ($36.95) 10,000 - Shhhh . . . ($55) 10,006 - One World, One Shared Challenge ($50.81) 10,026 - The House on the Hill 10,027 - Scratch Art in Thread ($60) 10,028 - Tribute to G. C. ($46.19) 10,029 - Just A Peek ($46.19) 10,030 - Tranquility ($41.57) 10,054 - Peach Wine 10,055 - Good Morning, Sunshine 10,056 - A Brand New Day 10,058 - Liberated 9-Patch 10,107 - Experience ($50) 10,108 - Gees Bend Christmas ($23.09) 10,109 - Good and Plenty $45.00 10109 10,110 - Crazy Summer Fun $40.00 10110 10,111 - Butterfly Wings ($35) 10,112 - Nine Patch Tilt 10,113 - Spider Webs ($32.33) 10,114 - Log Cabin in the Woods #2 ($45) 10,115 - Devoted ($36.95) 10,116 - Unconditional Love ($41.5) 10,117 - Williamstown Church ($27.71) 10,118 - Redwork Memories ($36.95) 10,119 - All Skate ($35) 10,120 - Whimsy ($32.33) 10,121 - Mammaw's Singer 10,122 - Friendship Star 10,123 - Fragments 10,124 - Sparks 10,152 - Good To The Last Scrap $45.00 10152 10,172 - Live Laugh Love $40.00 10172 10,175 - Cheery 10,195 - Monstera 10,196 - Purple Stained Glass 10,197 - Spring Has Come 10,198 - Sunny Garden $75.00 10198 10,199 - Rosy $50.00 10199 10,200 - Tiny Trees ($32.33) 10,201 - Tomato, Tomahto $45.00 10201 10,202 - Pear Still Life ($46.19) 10,203 - Purple Power ($46.19) 10,204 - Mod Garden ($60.05) 10,268 - Veiling Tangles 10,271 - Unleaving 10,275 - I Remember When They Invented the Etch-A-Sketch and the Hula Hoop $40.00 10275 10,277 - Extra - Extra ($45.00) 10,278 - Faith ($50) 10,279 - Arise? or Descend? ($40) 10,281 - Longing For Freedom ($64.67) 10,294 - Solar Flare ($70.00) 10,489 - Flower for You ($41.57) 10,554 - Swallowtail ($46.19) 10,556 - Under The Rainbow ($50) 10,576 - Murphy 10,577 - Celebrate ($55.43) 10,578 - Maggie's Quilt ($32.33) 10,579 - Elephant Walk $45.00 10579 10,680 - Ethereal ($55.43) 10,690 - Ohhh Myyy! ($45) 10,691 - The Latest News ($45.00) 10,692 - Fishy Fishy in the Sea ($46.19) 10,702 - Blossoms ($46.19) 10,863 - Sugar Skull ($64.67) 10,884 - Tiny Tumblers ($55.43) 10,906 - String Fling 11,057 - A Christmas Tree Farm ($36.95) 11,065 - Kitties In A Hat 11,083 - Iris Dreams I ($40) 11,086 - Song of the Hills ($75.00) 11,090 - Remember The Reason 11,091 - Testing The Waters 11,172 - Shine ($60.00) 11,173 - In The Garden ($55.43) 11,180 - Blue Chair 11,226 - Slice of Summer ($41.57) 11,228 - Everything Turns To Black ($41.57) 11,242 - Tic Tac Yo 11,245 - Road Knights ($36.95) 11,315 - Itty Bitty Blooms 11,316 - Peace 11,317 - Zippy Christmas 11,318 - Stringin' on a Star 11,372 - At Peace In My Garden $50.00 11372 11,375 - Circles Within 11,376 - You Don't Say ($50) 11,377 - Flying Pink Pig 11,378 - Shades of Purple 11,379 - Bird House 11,380 - Roses 11,424 - Double Chocolat ($41.57) 11,438 - Iris Dreams II ($41.57) 11,450 - Free Wheeling 11,451 - Grace 11,452 - Kyoto Pinwheel 11,453 - Girl Wonder 11,454 - Muser 11,455 - The Year of Diamond Jubilee 2012 11,456 - In Harmony 11,457 - That's My Girl 11,470 - Batiking Me Crazy $25.00 11470 11,471 - A Tisket, A Tasket $35.00 11471 11,472 - It's Not All Black and White ($36.95) 11,473 - Apple Of My Eye ($32.33) 11,474 - Study in Solids ($36.95) 11,499 - It All Comes Out In The Wash ($41.57) 11,534 - Blue Hoo $40.00 11534 11,547 - Tunnel Vision ($46.19) 11,553 - Snow Posies ($50.81) 11,595 - Polar Bear Wishes $25.00 11595 11,596 - Mucho Money $25.00 11596 11,597 - Modern Mini ($32.33) 11,598 - Cosmic ($36.95) 11,599 - Butterfly Log Cabin ($23.09) 11,600 - Cornflower Basket ($13.86) 11,601 - Country Garden ($41.57) 11,602 - Get Out and Vote ($32.33) 11,603 - Love Those Red Hats ($32.33) 11,604 - Touch of Red ($32.33) 11,605 - Tiny Stars in the Pink 11,606 - Hopscotch Party ($32.33) 11,683 - Giving Light 11,689 - Kansas Troubled Rails 11,690 - Civil War Remembrance 11,733 - Uneven Bars ($78.52) 11,734 - C for Curiosity ($60.00) 11,735 - Sealed With a Smile ($60.00) 11,861 - Red Hat Gal 11,862 - Somebody Loves You ($70.00) 11,863 - Patchwork Pete In Disguise ($45) 11,879 - Miss Sam 11,880 - Mom's Favorite Colors $35.00 11880 11,881 - Deep Dark Forest $45.00 11881 11,882 - Namaste ($40.00) 11,883 - Spooky Treats ($40.00) 11,896 - Meadow Dancer ($55.00) 11,898 - Floating 11,899 - Triangles 12,080 - Butterfly Is Free $45.00 12080 12,094 - Bouquet $65.00 12094 12,095 - Tranquility $45.00 12095 12,096 - Hip To Be Square 12,110 - Lace and Blocks $65.00 12110 12,153 - Pumpkin Patchwork $40.00 12153 12,154 - Picnic Party $40.00 12154 12,160 - Lady Buggy $45.00 12160 12,271 - Tumbling Blocks On Stage $45.00 12271 12,272 - Flowers Galore 12,278 - Couldn't Be Prouder 12,299 - Zinfandel #1 $35.00 12299 12,300 - Zinfandel #2 ($60) 12,307 - Home is Tropical 12,338 - Hardanger Helper ($40.00) 12,339 - Squaresville $40.00 12339 12,614 - Imperfectly Perfect in Every Way! $85.00 12614 12,678 - Thankful ($65.00) 12,699 - Departure $40.00 12699 12,700 - Symphony 12,701 - Together $65.00 12701 12,702 - Gleam of Hope $50.00 12702 12,703 - I'm a Proud Quilter $40.00 12703 12,704 - I'm a Wild Quilter $40.00 12704 12,705 - Blueberry Bliss $35.00 12705 12,706 - Topsy Turvy Triangles 12,707 - Cottage On The Beach ($50.00) 12,725 - Red Star Spinner $45.00 12725 12,726 - H is for Heart $40.00 12726 12,727 - Tulips For My Heart 12,744 - Doodles ($50.00) 12,767 - Bargello #1 $40.00 12767 12,768 - Bargello #2 ($40.00) 12,817 - Old Lace $45.00 12817 12,818 - Wilkommen $45.00 12818 12,819 - Yellow Callas $45.00 12819 12,820 - Calla Nebula $50.00 12820 12,835 - Color Bars $50.00 12835 12,859 - Solid Ties $45.00 12859 12,904 - Keep in Touch ($100.00) 12,905 - String Quartet $125.00 12905 12,906 - Topmost Twig ($225.00) 12,907 - La Ronda ($150.00) 12,908 - Streaming Corsa ($85.00) 12,909 - Arpeggio ($125.00) 12,918 - The Beginning $55.00 12918 12,976 - Attic Window Posy ($65.00) 13,030 - Dandy Lion ($50.00) 13,059 - Birches Among The Flowers $45.00 13059 13,060 - Light Through The Windows $45.00 13060 13,165 - Sugar Skull Tres ($70.00) 13,166 - Sugar Skull Quattro (

Links to this post: Liberated Quilting Challenge: AAQI Liberated Quilts For Sale!!!! liberatedquiltingchallenge.blogspot.com/.../aaqi-quilts-for-sale.html 6 days ago – The amazing members of our own Liberated Quilting Challenge for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) have donated so many more small ... You've visited this page 3 times. Last visit: 9/15/12 My AAQI Quilting Blog: Lift Up Your Spirit with the "Song of the Hills" aaqi-quilting.blogspot.com/.../lift-up-your-spirit-with-song-of-hills.ht... Sep 5, 2012 – I made this small format Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) donation during a difficult time. A time when I sought solace in beauty, in nature, ... You visited this page on 9/3/12. My AAQI Quilting Blog: What is the AAQI QAM? aaqi-quilting.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-is-aaqi-qam.html Jun 17, 2012 – The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative 's (AAQI) QAM (Quilt-A-Month Club) is a challenge for individuals to support the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative ... Michele Bilyeu blogs With Heart and Hands as she shares a quilting journey through her life in Salem, Oregon and Douglas, Alaska and all of her AAQI Quilting. Sharing thousands of links to Free Quilt and Quilt Block Patterns and encouraging others to join in the Liberated Quilting Challenge and make or donate small art quilts to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) Help us change the world, one little quilt at a time!