Each year, a small group of our MN-ND Chapter volunteer advocates are invited to join others from across the United States at the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum in D.C. They share their stories with federal policymakers to support policies that improve the lives of those affected by dementia.

Why I'm going to 2025 AIM Advocacy Forum

Linda Comb

My mom passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2013 at age 75. For five years, I was her main caregiver. My mom was one of 12 siblings, 7 of whom died with Alzheimer's. I'm going to Forum to be an advocate for my family and look forward to the day when there is a cure for this disease!

Sarah Dettman 

I'm going to Forum because in order to see change in the clinics and hospitals where I work, I have to speak to those who make decisions about Alzheimer’s funding and legislation that affect the future of care, support and research.

Lisa Frenette

I'm going to Forum to honor my Dad, my Pop, who died of complications that included Alzheimer’s. I was his caregiver and watched the downward trajectory he took the year he died. This is my first year at Forum and I’m super excited.   

Kate Klosterman

I'm going to Forum to honor those I’ve lost to this disease, support those currently living with Alzheimer’s, and work toward a future where fewer families have to face its devastating effects. 

Dana Lietzau

I'm going to Forum to honor my mom, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in 2015. She lost her battle in 2024. It was her dream and still remains ours to find a cure and a relief for families dealing with the disease. My fight is her fight; I will continue to fight for her!  

Mary Lindgren

I'm going to Forum because it’s a comfort to me to surround myself with others like me who have lost (or are slowly losing) loved ones who have been the foundation of their lives. Together, we can make an impact to boost each other's morale and move forward to find a cure.

Kae Lovaas Jewell

I'm going to Forum to continue our work with Congress to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. I do it remembering my amazing husband Ralph, who was diagnosed in 2007, when we didn’t have any treatments. Ralph died nine years ago and I work every day so others have a better outcome than we did.

Wendy Norcross

I'm going to Forum because I love connecting with others who have experienced this same heartache and have devoted so much of their lives to helping those who are still in the fight. Together, we are stronger! 

Carolyn Oldani

I'm going to the Forum to honor my husband, Carl, who passed away from Alzheimer's in 2022. I am filled with hope of a cure so that my grandchildren do not have to experience the pain that my children and I experienced.

Kevin Osterberg

I cared for my wife, Joni, for 10 years. She passed away from Huntington's in 2017. I’m going to Forum because I want to give back by helping other caregivers on this journey.

James Sorbel

I'm going to Forum because Advocacy works (!) and has led to pivotal gains in the fight against Alzheimer's. We need to keep up the momentum. I started advocating on behalf of my grandfather, and I continue to advocate for all caregivers.

Dr. Kate Wyman

I'm going to Forum to advocate for a critical increase in federal funding for research. We are in a new era of therapies and diagnostic tests that can improve early and accurate diagnosis of dementia syndromes. We cannot afford to slow or hinder this progress. 

Kanada Yazbek

I'm attending Forum to use my voice while I can for people like me and families like mine.