Alzheimers Community Care

Alzheimer's Disease: The Cure and Care Clark D. Bennett FROM CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alzheimer's Disease: the Cure and Care, is a conversation that is finally happening at all levels of our society. Alzheimer's disease is an epidemic that is occurring in homes and communities throughout the state of Florida, and the conversation is getting louder because the public is realizing how many families this disease affects. State level conversations are focusing on the large numbers of families that are affected by Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. In the past, these conversations were merely a whisper, but now they are becoming louder and more meaningful. The legislators in Florida's House and Senate were very receptive, respectful, and interested during our February 12, 2014 Advocacy Campaign. The legislators listened to our caregivers stories, and the caregivers were surprised as the legislators joined in with their own stories of how Alzheimer's has affected their mothers, fathers, and family members. I dare to say that our trips to Tallahassee are having a large influence on our legislators. Our care- givers, families, and volunteers are amazing and without the support of our Board Members the annual pilgrimage to Tallahassee would have not been possible over these past three years. During our trip District 80 Representative Matt Hudson spoke passionately about his focus on the 2014-2015 Appropriations Act. The Appropriations Act raises the commitment to fund Alzheimer's research and care efforts in the state of Florida. Describing the legislation as "one major effort," Representative Hudson emphasizes that it is the right thing to do because it will help ease the burden on caregivers, who do the right thing every day on behalf of their loved ones. When you have the time please watch Representative Hudson's video on our website. Our families help us provide the care in the community, and they are the ones responsible for the safety and welfare of their loved ones. Our caregivers have been known to care for their loved ones for a prolonged period of time, sometimes over 16 years, with little or no government assistance. Our family members provide 70% of the care and bear 80% of the financial costs throughout the duration of the disease. The past three months have gone by like a flash, and many challenges remain as we plan for the rest of this calendar year. Again, I am asking you for you to list Alzheimer's Community Care as one of your top three charities that you feel is worthy of your financial support. If you would like to learn more about the organization's vision and mission I and/or Mary Barnes, our President and CEO, would be honored to meet with you and share that information. To get in touch with us we are only a click on our web site or a phone call away. I remain, Clark Bennett Chairperson 2 ALZHEIMER'S COMMUNITY CARE / SPRING 2014

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