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A friend invited me to a lunch to learn more about the Alzheimer's Association and to consider becoming a member of their executive leadership committee to help raise funds for research for his awful disease. I did not have a personal experience with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's as most others in the room did, but I quickly learned that this cause deserves a LOT more attention than it was receiving. I knew I could help within our community.
This year Washington has committed $5.4 billion this fiscal year to cancer research, $1.2 billion to heart disease and $3 billion to HIV/AIDs. Research funding for Alzheimer's will only reach about $566 million. We can do better and must get louder to make progress against this disease.
The rate of diagnosis in the U.S. has been increasing at an alarming rate and is only expected to continue as we all live longer. The impact from this disease goes far beyond the patient. It devastates families, and treatments are still far too limited. The financial impact on our society is also often overlooked, from caregivers leaving the workforce to increased medical expenses.
If you don't know someone directly affected by this disease or other forms of dementia, you likely will. Shortly after I joined the committee, an extended member of my own family was diagnosed. Please join me to raise awareness around all things Alzheimer's - from research and support services to prevention. I greatly appreciation your donation!
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
1000
I have raised
2000
My Goal
My Achievements
![Self-Donor](../2019walk/img/badges/self-donor.png)
Self-Donor
![Fundraiser](../2019walk/img/badges/fundraiser.png)
Fundraiser
![Champion](../2019walk/img/badges/t-shirt.png)
T-shirt
![Champion](../2019walk/img/badges/champions-club.png)
Champion
![Grand Champion](../2019walk/img/badges/grand-champions-club.png)
Grand Champion
![Storyteller](../2019walk/img/badges/storyteller.png)
Storyteller