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March 2013 

 

A Message from Jennifer Howard, Executive Director
Jennifer HowardAlzheimer’s Association staff and volunteers came together from all over the country last month in Dallas, Texas for the 2013 Alzheimer’s Association Leadership Summit - to share best practices, connect with each other, share experiences, learn from one another and work together on the next steps to fulfill our mission. The energy and enthusiasm was overwhelming and helped everyone in attendance to regroup and rethink how we are going to solve the immense problem that is Alzheimer’s.

Every person who came together was there for a different reason - some were living with Alzheimer’s, some are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, some had lost someone to the disease, some focused on public policy efforts, some focused on research or programs and some contributed by participating in our Walks to End Alzheimer’s. We were all asked to send a picture of WHY we fight Alzheimer’s. As more than 700 of us sat in a large conference room, we watched hundreds of pictures move across the screen of families, grandparents, parents, children, brothers, sisters and friends. 

When we eliminate Alzheimer’s disease, it will be because of millions of us who fought for different reasons and in different ways. Why do YOU fight Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia?  How are you going to make a difference? Please email us a sentence or two of why you want an end to Alzheimer’s and feel free to include what you are doing or what you would like to do! We would love to include your story in an upcoming eNews - email them to lvickers@alz.org.

In the meantime, the Alzheimer’s Association will continue to fight Alzheimer’s and provide care for those affected through our programs and services, public policy efforts, research, and raising awareness and revenue to support our mission. If you would like to become involved, please contact us! 



2013 Facts and Figures
, an annual report released by the Alzheimer’s Association, reveals the burden of Alzheimer's and dementia on individuals, caregivers, government and the nation's health care system. This year's report will be released on March 19, so please visit our website to get the most current information then.

 

Meet a Walk to End Alzheimer's Volunteer
William J StreetmanTerry Streetman's Grandfather William J. Streetman passed away from complications of Alzheimer's disease in 2005. He suffered from the disease for many years before losing his battle. Alzheimer’s disease took him from being a former Naval Aviator and head of design staff at General Motors to being someone who had trouble functioning on his own. It was a very painful progression for his family to watch, and since the diagnosis his family has been active in supporting the Alzheimer's Association and related causes. Their family’s mission later took on even greater significance when Terry’s Grandmother Thelma, who was her husband’s primary caregiver for many years, also passed away. It is this inspiration that drives him to participate and volunteer for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s every year in both Ohio and Michigan and to volunteer for the Lansing Walk Planning Committee.

This year Terry was the first participant to register a team for the Lansing Walk. He says, “I registered so early because I wanted to get a head start on fundraising and make sure I could set up my team and personal fundraising pages well ahead of time for the Walk. I also do my own fundraiser every year called ‘Cut for a Cause.’ I take suggestions of bad or embarrassing haircuts and then have people “vote” for a cut by donating to my team. Whichever cut has the most ‘votes’ (or money) by the time of the Walk, I have to sport that look for the Walk itself.” Previous winners have included a mullet, a perm, and three purple Mohawks. He has been doing this fundraiser for three years and has raised over $2,500 to support his team’s efforts. “I encourage everyone to find a way to make their fundraising campaign personal and exciting. If you are looking for a way to become more involved, volunteer for your local Walk’s planning committee.”

Terry StreetmanOur chapter invited Terry to attend the 2013 Alzheimer’s Association Leadership Summit in Dallas, Texas on behalf of the Lansing Walk Committee. He says, “It was an amazing experience and got me very motivated for this year’s Walk. My main take-away from the conference was that the money we raise through the Walk supports amazing medical research, valuable support programs, and awareness efforts that help put this disease at the top of the national agenda. Sometimes it can feel like we’re alone in this struggle, but having seen more than 700 motivated and dedicated people excited to make a difference, I can tell you definitively that we are not alone. We are all in this together, and together we can help bring an end to Alzheimer’s disease.”

 

Education, Support and Online Resources
Community Education Programs:  Locate an education program in your community or call us at 800.272.3900 if you are interested in bringing one of our programs to your community, senior center, office, church, chamber of commerce, etc.

Caregiver Support Groups:  Locate a support group in your community to get support from others who understand what you are going through

Online Resources:

 

TrialMatch
The path to tomorrow’s treatments.  Today.
The need for volunteers for clinical trials has never been greater 

The good news is that right now there are more than 100 promising treatments in clinical trials. Learn about clinical trials through Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch™, the Alzheimer’s Association Clinical Studies Matching Service. Free, easy to use, and confidential service available online at alz.org/trialmatch or call 800.272.3900.

Questions?  Barb Betts Swartz | bbetts@alz.org | 269.342.1482 

 

25 Years of Making Our VOICE Heard
Advocacy Forum - Horizontal25th Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum
Washington, D.C. | April 22-24  |  alz.org/forum
Registration is 
currently full! 

If you would like to be added to the wait list, please complete the registration information here and you will be contacted via email if an opening becomes available.

Questions? Carrie Collins | ccollins@alz.org | 248.996.1059


Sequester Jeopardizes Alzheimer’s Disease Research

Mandatory cuts to hundreds of federal programs went into effect last week after federal budget talks in Congress produced no results. One of the programs on the chopping block is research funded through the National Institutes of Health. The cuts under the sequester could impact research in progress right now, approved trials and impede future projects. The far-reaching consequences are staggering, and they are compounded by the fact that we have an aging population that is looking to science to unlock the mysteries of Alzheimer’s disease.

A sequester is the formal term for mandatory cuts to federal programs – the process of cordoning off money that may have been authorized by Congress but is now prohibited from being spent. Literally, the money is being “sequestered” – taken away from the federal agencies. The process has been used over the years in other budgets, but now the federal government may be one of the biggest sequestrations of all time: $1.2 trillion in mandatory cuts – half from the military, half from domestic programs. The sequester was invented as part of the debt limit law last year and was meant to act as a punishment of sorts if the deficit supercommittee didn’t come up with a complete package to cut the deficit. Since the supercommittee process yielded no results, the sequester went into effect March 1.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!  Please call U.S. Senator Carl Levin's office at 202.224.6221 and ask him to stop the cuts to Alzheimer's disease research.

Questions? Carrie Collins | ccollins@alz.org | 248.996.1059

 

A Reason to Hope
Reason to Hope GraphicA Reason to Hope
June 11 | 8:00 - 9:00 AM Breakfast
ANN ARBOR | Ann Arbor City Club | 1830 Washtenaw Avenue
View or download the brochure

A Reason to Hope community event raises funds for programs and services critical to the individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s disease and raises awareness of the work of the Alzheimer’s Association. You are invited to be our guest.
  • Learn about how our Chapter provides individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s with critical support, programs and education.
  • You will also hear how we are funding research to develop better treatments and bring us closer to a cure.
  • During this fast-paced event, a family caregiver offers personal insight into the positive impact our programs have on families and on our Chapter's communities.
  • The event is free, but at the program’s conclusion, guests are given the opportunity to reinforce their commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association by making a contribution.
  • Most of all, we want guests to be inspired and leave with a lasting impression of the crucial work of the Alzheimer’s Association. The event is complimentary, but we hope you will be so inspired by the work that we do that you will be moved to make a donation (100% tax deductible).
Questions? Jennifer Howard | jhoward@alz.org | 734.475.7043

 

2013 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Walk LogoThe Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a united movement to reclaim the future for millions and raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  

green register for walk logo
     Find a 2013 Walk to End Alzheimer's near you


Allegan County  |  Ann Arbor  |  Brighton  |  Chelsea Area  | Jackson  |  Kalamazoo (Portage)
Lansing  |  Lenawee County (Adrian)  |  Ludington  |  Muskegon  |  Monroe County  |  St. Joseph

Sponsors, Champion Teams and Media Partners
View and download the Sponsorship Opportunities and Commitment Form to learn about the local recognition benefits available

Questions?  mglcwalk@alz.org | 800.272.3900

 

The Longest Day
One day.  16 hours.  Millions of reasons.
On Friday, June 21, the Alzheimer’s Association invites you to honor the strength, endurance and passion of those facing Alzheimer’s disease by participating in The Longest Day. From sunrise to sunset, gather your friends and do something you love to make a difference. From swimming to swing dancing, the funds you raise will help to advance Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Join us on The Longest Day to show that you’re in it until Alzheimer’s is finished. Register at alz.org/thelongestday | 800.272.3900.

Questions?  Lori Ezrow | lezrow@alz.org | 734.475.7043 

 

Upcoming Chapter Events
Alzheimer's Awareness Day 
Official Tigers GroupComerica Park 2013
DETROIT | Saturday, May 11 | 7:05 PM | Comerica Park
Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians

Special Ticket Package:  $40 (while inventory lasts)
  • Upper Box Infield ticket
  • Food Voucher (hot dog, chips, and small soft drink)
  • $5 Donation to the Alzheimer's Association
  • Alzheimer's Awareness Day T-Shirt
Purchase your tickets online today...

Download the flyer to share with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers...

Questions?  Lori Ezrow | lezrow@alz.org | 734.475.7043 

2013 Ann Arbor Charity Golf Outing
ANN ARBOR | Monday, July 8
 | Travis Pointe Country Club
Golf Outing Chair:  Representative David E. Rutledge
  • Become a sponsor and receive recognition benefits
  • Register a team of four or as an individual golfer
  • Event highlights include:
    ~ 18 holes of golf with cart
    ~ Continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments and buffet dinner
    ~ Awards and prizes
    ~ Auction
Sponsors, Teams and Individual Golfers
View and download Sponsor, Team and Individual Opportunities

Questions?  
Lori Ezrow | mglcgolf@alz.org | 734.475.7043

 

Shop Marshalls
MarshallsThrough March 16th, Marshalls customers across the United States will be offered the opportunity to add a dollar to each purchase. That added dollar will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association and its efforts to advance Alzheimer's-related care, support and research - and taking a stand against this disease, nationwide.

This campaign is part of a much bigger pledge from The TJX Companies, Inc. on behalf of its 168,000 Associates and retail division including T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and Sierra Trading Post in the United States; Winners, HomeSense, and Marshalls in Canada; and T.K. Maxx, and HomeSense in Europe.

They have pledged $1 million to the Alzheimer's Association in recognition of the massive impact the disease has worldwide. Every single dollar donated through the campaign will go to towards supporting our vision of a world without Alzheimer's. Thank you Marshalls and TJX Companies, Inc.!  Find a store near you...

 

Volunteers Needed
keyboardOur chapter is still looking for individuals to assist with data entry in the Chelsea office during normal business hours between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (flexible hours based on your availability). Basic computer skills required; experience preferred. If you are interested in learning more about becoming part of our team, please complete the Volunteer Application and fax it to the number indicated.

Questions?  Erica Outhwaite | eouthwaite@alz.org | 734.475.7043


Our program team is also looking for new Support Group Facilitators to add additional Caregiver Support Groups throughoutSG Facilitators and Volunteer Presenters our area as well as Volunteer Presenters to help educate the community about Alzheimer's.

Questions?  Barb Betts Swartz | bbetts@alz.org | 269.342.1482

 

Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. 
 
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Michigan Great Lakes Chapter

310 N. Main St., Suite 100  |  Chelsea, MI  48118
Regional offices in Kalamazoo, Lansing and Muskegon
alz.org/mglc  |  800.272.3900
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