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 As the caregiver for his wife, Joanne, during the nine years she had Alzheimer's, Dan Bean became intimately familiar with the effects of the disease. After Joanne passed away, Dan increased his involvement with the Alzheimer's Association "both to help and to pay back for all the information and help I had received," he said.
In 2007 he participated for the first time in the Public Policy Forum, and experienced the power of a group of advocates on a national scale, mobilizing for a shared cause. He "was impressed with the enthusiasm and knowledge available to help improve the work of advocates," both on a local and national level.
Dan has been an active state advocate for many years, contacting local politicians to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease and speaking to groups interested in learning more about Alzheimer's. As an active board member of the Vermont chapter, he arranges educational conferences and serves on a number of committees.
When asked about his most significant experience as an advocate, Dan cited the strength of the network:"I have an e-mail list of a large group of people who respond quickly to requests for contacting politicians whenever the Washington office puts out a call for help. They are very enthusiastic about helping get the word out."
Click here to hear Dan talk about being an Alzheimer advocate and the importance of our cause. |
