NAPA introduced in the House and Senate

What do Australia, South Korea and the Netherlands have in common? They are among the growing number of countries that have realized Alzheimer’s disease will overwhelm their healthcare systems if left unchecked – and they are all preparing to do something about it. Each of these countries is developing a national plan to fight the disease. So far, the United States has not; it’s time to change that.

Three weeks ago, our congressional allies introduced the National Alzheimer’s Project Act in the House and Senate. Already we have 21 cosponsors in the House and 14 in the Senate. Support for this bill is the first step towards creating a national plan to solve the Alzheimer’s crisis.

The Alzheimer's Association will be working hard over the coming months to pass this important measure before the 111th Congress adjourns. We’ll be posting the latest news and information as we get it. Are your Members of Congress cosponsors? You can check here: http://bit.ly/a6fKZy.

-Robert Egge

Our VOICE in Washington, D.C.

Last night’s Candlelight Tribute Rally was incredible – it was a beautiful night and a powerful way to remember why we’re all here and get invigorated for what lies ahead. We heard personal stories from advocates Leslie Walker and Steve Hume and then a call to action by David Hyde Pierce. He truly brought out the VOICE of the crowd.

This morning we heard from veteran political strategist, author and educator Donna Brazile, who gave an overview of the political landscape in Washington right now. She also shared with us her own family's experience of caring for her grandmother after her Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.

This afternoon is filled with training sessions on the legislation Alzheimer's Association advocates will be lobbying for on Capitol Hill this week as well as tips and tools for year-round advocacy. Everyone is pumped up to hit Capitol Hill tomorrow.

More than 11,000 people have lit a virtual candle to honor someone they love who has battles Alzheimer's. Please take a moment to join them online at http://alz.org/virtualrally.

-Robert Egge

Alzheimer's Action Summit off to a Great Start

Excitement started to build as advocates rolled into Washington, D.C. today for the Alzheimer's Association Action Summit. Advocates have come from as far away as Alaska, others from nearby Maryland. They all have one thing in common: they’re all passionate about making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

While working at registration today we heard story after story about the devastating affects of this disease.

We have also heard amazing stories of hope and determination.

A woman from California told me of her mother’s misdiagnosis and subsequent denial of Medicare coverage. This is her third trip to Washington for the Summit and she’ll keep coming back until Alzheimer's is eliminated.

Right now we’re all getting ready to head to the Lincoln Memorial for the Candlelight Tribute Rally. We have passed the 10,000 mark for our “Virtual Candlelight Rally” as well – if you haven’t, please go to http://www.alz.org/virtualrally and light your candle.  If you’re in the D.C. area, please meet us at the Lincoln Memorial!

-Robert Egge