Dear Friend,
Earlier today the Obama Administration announced a commitment of new resources in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
This is an important step for our nation, our Alzheimer’s advocacy movement, and the development and implementation of an effective National Alzheimer’s Plan. We are beginning to see the tangible results of our efforts, and we owe it all to you!
After the unanimous, bipartisan passage and enactment of the National Alzheimer's Project Act last January, Americans affected by the disease made impassioned demands during the Alzheimer’s Association’s nationwide public input sessions. You were clear: Alzheimer's can't wait, not when more than 10,000 baby boomers a day turn age 65 and not when it costs our nation $183 billion a year. And since this past week, you spoke again with over 100,000 people signing our petition so far, urging the administration to ensure that all resources and expertise within the government's reach be brought to bear on this issue, even in this challenging fiscal environment.
Today’s announcement of an additional $50 million for Alzheimer's research over the coming months, and an additional $106 million in the coming year to research, caregiver support and education is an important step in the right direction to defeat this devastating disease.
Measured against the scale of the crisis, today marks a very important step, but we need to do much, much more. We believe the Administration and Congress understand this point. Yet we also know that during this critical time, progress will not continue unless Alzheimer’s advocates like you keep calling for action.
Thank you for your continued commitment to this cause. You made today happen. Now it’s time to call for the next step. The single most important thing you can do in this moment is to encourage more and more people to sign the petition. This expands our movement, raises our voice, and sends a clear message to our elected leaders.
Sincerely,
Robert Egge Vice President, Public Policy Alzheimer's Association
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