Illinois Action Summit Spotlight – Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter invites you to become an Alzheimer’s Advocate, and to draw critical attention to the advancement of Alzheimer’s public policies at the 2016 Illinois Action Summit. Be a catalyst for change in Illinois and ensure that the needs of Alzheimer’s patients, family members, and caregivers are addressed. In this article, we feature one of our Illinois Action Summit participants, Terron Edmonds.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter invites you to become an Alzheimer’s Advocate, and to draw critical attention to the advancement of Alzheimer’s public policies at the 2016 Illinois Action Summit. Be a catalyst for change in Illinois and ensure that the needs of Alzheimer’s patients, family members, and caregivers are addressed. In this article, we feature one of our Illinois Action Summit participants, Terron Edmonds.
What led to your involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association?
My grandmother, MaeBell Ward, had a case of early onset and rapidly declined after her diagnosis at the age of 47. She passed away December of 2001 at the age of 56. In 2011 we started a Non-Profit organization in my grandmother’s name, looked up ways to help at alz.org, and signed up for our first Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
How long have you been participating in the Illinois Action Summit? What are some of your accomplishments as a participant?
This will be my fifth Action Summit, and honestly, the growth of advocates participating is just as valuable as the money raised and the meetings with Congressional members. I enjoy being someone who can offer advice to nervous or new advocates, as well as someone who can tell a story of heartbreak watching my grandmother decline and subsequently passing from this dreadful disease.
Why do you choose to participate in the Action Summit?
If we can’t fight Alzheimer’s on the statewide front, we have no chance in the fight on the federal front.
Why is being an Alzheimer’s Advocate important to you?
My grandmother was a giant factor in the man I’ve become today, from music tastes to overall demeanor, and I’d do just about anything to honor her memory and make her proud.
Why should others become Alzheimer’s Association Advocates?
Seeing the vast strides that have been accomplished by this family of advocates in my little time around, I can’t imagine a reason why anyone wouldn’t advocate and get out for a disease without a cure, that takes away our motor skills and memory. Because in the end what else do we have?
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
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