Letter To The Editor: Thanks For Alzheimer's Support, Seeking Community Help

Letter to the Editor:
 
As an Alzheimer's Association Advocate, I champion the fight to end Alzheimer's and am proud of our community’s efforts. On September 9, nearly 1000 residents from Bowling Green and the south central Kentucky area joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s ® united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. Through their dedication, participants raised $117,000!
 
The Alzheimer’s Association is grateful for these passionate people. Every dollar raised through the Walk will further critical efforts to advance advocacy and education, enhance care and support programs, raise awareness, and promote research. However we could still use your help to reach our 2017 fundraising goal. Donations can be made online through the end of December at www.alz.org/walk. 
 
As our Walks wrap-up and November rolls in, the Alzheimer’s Association is recognizing and honoring the more than 15 million family members and friends across the U.S. (271,000 in Kentucky) who are currently caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s.
 
This November during National Family Caregivers Month, I, along with the Alzheimer’s Association, encourage people to lend a hand to caregivers because I know first-hand the demands associated with being a caregiver, and how a helpful hand can make a world of difference.
 
I am a caregiver for a dear friend who was diagnosed in 2012 with Alzheimer's Disease. When this journey began I solicited the help of the Alzheimer's Association. They directed me to the local educational programs where I started learning about the disease, legal and financial planning, coping mechanisms, what options were available to me in seeking respite care and finally long term care. This disease takes its toll on everyone. We must find a cure.    
 
I encourage you to join me in asking Senator Paul for his commitment in the fight to end Alzheimer’s by joining the bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease. To learn more and take action, call 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.
 
Sincerely,
 
Peggy L. McFadden
Alzheimer’s Association Advocate