As designers, we are ambassadors not only for our own work but for the people and concepts we design for.
Whitney McMullen, the Senior Development Manager for the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association came to me needing a logo. Personally affected by the horrible disease that is Alzheimer's within her family, she started a side project to spread Alzheimer's awareness. Lorenzo the Pelican was born from this, and he continues to travel the world spreading awareness about this horrible disease.
Curious where Lorenzo is now? Follow Whitney & Lorenzo on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo4alz/
The story behind Lorenzo the Pelican:
"In 2015 my Mother and I went to New Orleans with a stuffed pelican and we named him Lorenzo. Lorenzo is the nickname for my Father who had Early Onset Alzheimer’s. Lorenzo then became my mascot for spreading Alzheimer’s awareness.
Lorenzo the Pelican’s goal is to bring Alzheimer’s awareness to the community by taking photos of him at popular landmarks around the country and world. I would like followers of my photo blog to see where Lorenzo has gone and feel something positive with such a negative disease.
You can see where Lorenzo has been by visiting the blog page and by following us @Lorenzo4Alz on Twitter and Instagram.
Alzheimer’s affects 5.4 million Americans; Early Onset Alzheimer’s affects 5-10% of those people. It is the 6th leading cause of death in America that cannot be prevented, cured, or slowed. It is America’s most expensive disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association has more facts to read about at alz.org."