April 2016

The Judy Fund
Dear Friends and Family,

Spring has sprung! For those of us who support The Judy Fund, we've just observed two important annual rites of spring in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

First was the March 30 release of the Alzheimer's Association 2016 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report, including a Special Report on the Personal Financial Impact of Alzheimer's on Families. Watch the video below, and download the full report to see how Alzheimer's takes a devastating toll — not just on those with the disease, but on entire families.

Second is the 2016 Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum, held April 4-6 in Washington, D.C. One of the highlights of the Forum for me is having the opportunity to address 500 Ambassadors during their training session about our ongoing commitment to the outstanding work that they do. With your support, The Judy Fund sponsors the Ambassador Program – whose members advance our mission year-round by working with their legislators to educate and advocate. As I do every year, I returned from Forum informed, inspired and committed to continue this fight!

 
2016 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures in 90 Seconds
Watch this short video to learn the latest statistics, and share it to help spread the word about Alzheimer's.

2016 costs of Alzheimer's = $236 Billion
Despite the growing burden of the disease, the investment in Alzheimer's research falls far short of the need. With the recent increase in funding, the NIH is expected to spend $991 million on Alzheimer's research in 2016. However, this still means that for every $16,000 Medicare and Medicaid spend caring for people with Alzheimer's, the NIH spends only $100 on Alzheimer's research. Congressional action is needed to stay on the path to discovering scientific breakthroughs!
 
 
 
Record-breaking number of Alzheimer's advocates converge in our nation's capital
From April 4-6, a record-breaking number of Alzheimer's advocates — nearly 1,200! — from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for the 2016 Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum to continue to press our leaders on Capitol Hill for action.

Gurney Williams and Kimberly Williams-Paisley pose with Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Harry Johns. The actress/author and her father received the Champion Award at the National Alzheimer's Dinner April 5 during the 2016 Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum. The Champion Award recognizes individuals whose actions have promoted greater understanding of dementia and its effects on diagnosed individuals, families and caregivers.

  One of my many stops in Washington, D.C. at the 2016 Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum was Senator Barbara Boxer's office on Capitol Hill with my fellow Ambassador,
George-Ann Hyams.

Along with in-depth briefings on the Association's current federal legislative priorities, we received tips and strategies to deliver an effective message to elected officials. Armed with these tools, we converged on Capitol Hill to meet one-on-one with congressional representatives and staff.


At the Alzheimer's Ambassadors' Luncheon, two executives from Twitter spoke to us about social media action.

The great information shared had all of us talking about new ways to harness the power of social media to advance the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
 

Honoring our Sigma Alpha Mu Fundraising Winners
To honor their chapter as top fundraisers for FY15, I was delighted to welcome two men from Sigma Alpha Mu (EAM) Fraternity as my guests at the Forum. Representing the Mu Psi Chapter at Miami University of Ohio were Nick Morrison (left) and Will Clarke (right). Nick and Will enjoyed their trip to our nation's capital, and they were great additions to the Forum! To see all the highlights, please visit alz.org/forum.
 
Please continue to support our efforts by making a donation to The Judy Fund. As always, we are so grateful for all you've done — and all we hope you will continue to do — to help us continue to share the facts and push for action in the fight against this disease.
 
     
  Thank you… we truly couldn't do this without you!

Elizabeth
Elizabeth Gelfand Stearns
Chair, The Judy Fund
 
 
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The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's disease®.



Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601
© 2015 Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved.
800.272.3900 | alz.org | Donate

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