"Pat's Memory Bench", and My reason for Access Now!

“Pat’s Memory Bench” was created and restored from a porch bench we purchased long ago. We sat on it often and discussed adventures of the past and plans for the week or months ahead and what we would like to do. It wasn’t long afterward that these dreams came to an end very slowly at first and then more rapidly. In memory of her, I refurbished the bench and had an engraved plate made, “In Loving Memory of Patricia A. Weber” and date of her being called Home.

The loss of a loved one to the terrible and horrible experience of Alzheimer’s Disease completely disrupts all lives. The long range plans you have been looking forward to, fade. I think First Lady Nancy Reagan said it best, “The Golden Years are a time when you sit back and share your wonderful times, together, but with Alzheimer’s, you have no one to share them with."
On September 8th, 2016, Pat and I totally lost every dream we had planned. Knowingly, I cherished what little time we had together. After completing my promise to her, I made the decision to become involved in the “Tri-County Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Soon after joining, I was asked to join the AIM Committee and become an Advocacy Ambassador to communicate and lobby, our State and Federal Legislators, on specific Legislation to find a cure for this totally Non-Partisan disease, YES,NON-PARTISAN, as Alzheimer’s has no preferences. In fact, at the current rate, its projected that “Almost Heaven”, by the year 2025, will have a 12.8%increase over the 2020 count of 39,000, to an estimated 44,000, aged 65 or older! Yes, I’m still very bitter, which leads me to seek others to END ALZHEIMER’S by supporting “PAT’S MEMORY WALK TEAM” with your Tax-Deductible Donation no matter what the amount.
Our AIM Committee efforts are showing promise, as in February 2023, the West Virginia Senate Passed SB 526, and on March 23rd,2023, Governor Justice, working with the Alzheimer’s Association, signed SB 526that brings Alzheimer’s Awareness, Detection and Early Diagnosis of the disease into existing public health programs and services. It will also help our healthcare officials understand early detection and help manage all stages of dementia for West Virginians
On March 19th, 2023, your West Virginia Advocacy Team traveled to Washington D.C. for the National Advocacy Forum and Lobby for current Trial Drugs which are approved by the FDA to be approved by Medicare and Medicaid for those with Stage One Alzheimer’s. Without MCS approval, 2,000 people per day transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2 making them not eligible for the drug!  Simply, we want “ACCESS NOW” and give people more time! As speakers at the Forum said, “I just want to walk my daughter down the aisle.” Another said, “I want to see my daughter graduate from high school.”
Our Advocacy Mission entailed an “We want Access, when do we want it? NOW”, was the Rally Chant in front of the White House with 900+ participants on Monday sounding our voice for all. On Tuesday, our Lobby Day. One could see “Purple” in all the Capitol buildings attending “in person” meetings with their State Legislators. We met with Senator Shelly Moore Capito, a strong vocal supporter of our efforts, Senator Joe Manchin, who ensured his Office Manager was ready to meet and discuss our issues and the same scenario with Congressman Alex Mooney and Congresswoman Carol Miller. A Positive feeling encompassed us all.
Inclosing, your donation to support Pat’s Memory Walk Team will be utilized specifically for Alzheimer’s Research, broadening the Scope of Pharmaceutical Research, Legislative Action, and Research Positions.
 In closing, my end game is complex but simple, I wish the day arrives when no one, or family must ever endure our journey or pain. “Together we can END ALZHEIMER’S” and Pat’s Memory Bench will live on to mark our achievement.