Elisabeth Schalk was comfortable making presentations. She spent years as the Director of Education for the US Committee for UNICEF, and as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations for International House in Manhattan, a programmatic and residential center for potential global leaders.
“In those days I could speak in public relying on just a few handwritten notes, but now since my short-term memory has disappeared, I must read this message,” she said. A message that includes her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
The Schalks began a connection to the Association’s Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester, N.Y. Chapter by attending a monthly support group.
In 2008, Elisabeth and her husband, David, participated in New York State’s Lobby Day. Together they brought a message of living with Alzheimer’s to state legislators. The legislators took notice.
Though it was a challenging journey to Albany for her, fellow advocates support helped bolster the feeling of success that day. David explained that Elisabeth’s way, and her words were very moving and that there was a wonderful sense of camaraderie in the group experience.
The Schalks were inspired to take the next step, embracing the cause and being even more active.
Due to health complications, they were not able to join their fellow advocates in person for the 2008 Forum. Not to be discouraged, they created a new appeal and filmed a message for that was hand-delivered to Capitol Hill.
Elisabeth and David talk about their experiences as Alzheimer advocates and the importance of our cause.
