Rally to Remember has advocates imagining a hopeful future
Hundreds of dedicated Alzheimer’s advocates gathered for the Rally to Remember, an event honoring people with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and everyone affected by the disease. Speakers included caregiver Gee Gerke (left) and former U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore (D-Kan.), who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s earlier this year, and his wife Stephene.
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Keynote speaker Frank Luntz inspires, informs advocates
Frank Luntz, Ph.D., one of the nation’s most honored political commentators and pollsters, gave the Forum’s keynote address, offering attendees tips on how to speak to elected officials and gain support for Alzheimer’s-related legislation. His advice: “Don’t accept no for an answer.”
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Sebelius confirms Obama administration’s commitment to Alzheimer’s
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius addressed more than 700 Alzheimer’s advocates on the Obama administration’s commitment to the development of the first-ever National Alzheimer’s Plan, scheduled for release on May 10. Sebelius said the administration is in the fight against Alzheimer’s “for the long haul.”
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Summitt and son Tyler receive Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award
The Alzheimer’s Association honored University of Tennessee Women’s Basketball Head Coach Emeritus Pat Summitt, diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s last year, and her son Tyler with its Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award at the Alzheimer’s Association National Alzheimer’s Dinner. Former First lady of California Maria Shriver, whose father Sargent Shriver passed away from Alzheimer’s, presented the award.
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http://www.alz.org/petition/overview.asp?type=homepage_petition
To the President of the United States
A PETITION FOR A STRONG NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S PLAN
Families Facing Alzheimer’s Disease Can’t Wait
We, the undersigned, call on the President to issue a strong National Alzheimer’s Plan to help the millions of Americans now affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and the many millions more at risk.
Alzheimer’s won’t wait.
Today, more than 5 million Americans are facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s. This number could rise to 16 million by 2050 if we do not act.
Right now, nearly 15 million Americans serve as caregivers, and this is projected to soar to 45 million in that same timeframe.
The cost of inaction is too high. Alzheimer’s will cost the nation $200 billion this year. This will rise to $1 trillion by 2050, bankrupting families and our health care system.
Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only one among the top 10 without a way to cure, prevent or even slow its progression.
We urge the President to take the next bold step forward in the fight against Alzheimer’s, fulfilling the promise of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act passed unanimously by Congress more than a year ago. Now is the time to create a world without Alzheimer’s.
Families won’t forget.