I have put up 3 articles on the home page in the Daily News section about National Alzheimer's Awareness month. We all have our specific interests related to AD that we would like to publicize. Mine are AD and its effect on marriage, the importance to relationships of early detection, and the understanding of Alzheimer's Disease as a total brain disease. Many of you are involved in raising awareness for programs related to EOAD. Many are involved in the financial aspect of the disease. Whatever your particular interest, it is very important to get your word out.
When I went to Washington DC in May, the Capitol was at a standstill. Every legislator or aide with whom I met basically said that nothing was going to get done until a new administration came into office in Jan.09. As you are fully aware, I have no interest in who you supported in the election. That is not the issue. The issue is that there WILL be a new administration in January, and we must lobby (That isn't always a bad word) for understanding, funds, research, and programs for Alzheimer's Disease.
If every one of the thousands of people who visit this website, wrote ONE letter to ONE congressman/woman, senator, AND the new president-elect, just think how impressive that would be in getting our voices heard. I understand that they have quite a mess on their hands, and AD may not be at the top of the list, but it IS part of health care, and they will need to tackle that, so let's put a bug in their ears.
Hi Joan: Its been a while since I last posted. Well put on this. I have been busy advocating. I just got the Volusia County Council to proclaim November as Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. The boys and I are doing OK taking one day at a time. Planning a yard sale to support our local chapter. I hope to secure a billboard on Interstate 4 to post a AD awareness/ info message. I have been writting my Senators, Congressman, and local officials also to request more attention be given to the plight of AD and EOAD. I have a few other ideas and projects I hope to put together soon that will also help spread the word. Hopefully other readers to this site will do the same.
Joan and Tony, I haven't been able to be as active as you, but I have tried to do my part in spreading the word AND writing to all local officials. My family believes firmly that we can't just sit back and wait. My little niece has a brutal life threatening case of type 1 diabetes. She at the age of 7 became the youth ambassador for our state, and has been involved in every regard since,(she is now 10) meeting with politician etc. The same must be done for AD. I thank you for all your work on our behalf.
Tony I think of you and your boys often. Please do keep in touch. Keeping you in my thoughts~Nikki
I think about you often. Are you going to Washington in March? Sid and I are both going. Trish said Bob is going to be part of the group with AD who advocate for themselves, and she thought it would be good for Sid to be part of that. I agree. When he's tired, he'll be able to rest in the hotel room, watch TV, and surf on his laptop while I am running around Capitol Hill.
Joan, could you tell me about what is involved when you go to DC? Lynn's daughter has worked there for years now. Of course Lynn is way beyong being able to advocate, but I am interested in what care givers could do. Thanks in advance~Nikki
Since November is National Alzheimer's awareness month, does anyone know of any upcoming specials on tv. I am always glued to the screen when there is any type documentary on the subject.
I am so sorry it took me this long to see your post. Let me just say that I had NO IDEA what I was getting myself into when I decided to go to the Public Policy Forum. NO IDEA. It is quite an experience. There is not much information on it yet, but you can go to this site to sign up to be an advocate - http://www.alz.org/publicpolicyforum/09/overview.asp
It is basically a politcal convention. Delegates from every state come together for seminars, dinners, speeches, and a trip to Capitol Hill with appointments to see senators, representatives, and aides, and advocate for the Alzheimer's cause in person. If you are interested in going with your state delegation, contact the head of the Alzheimer's Association in area. State delegations are divided up by State region. For detailed information on our trip, click on the Washington DC section on the left side of the website.
If you are not able to come to the Forum, the Alzheimer's Association will have a section for you to write your story and concerns online. They separate them all by States and regions, and the delegates hand deliver them to the legislators.
Whoops. For some unknown cyber reason, the Washington side topic takes a long time to load, and still looks blank even when the bottom bar says done. You have to wait a little longer, and it does load.