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Alzheimer's Association statement on the passing of Sargent Shriver

Alzheimer's Association statement on the passing of Sargent Shriver
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January 17, 2011
Email: media@alz.org
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Alzheimer's Association statement on the passing of Sargent Shriver

The Alzheimer's Association joins the Shriver family and the nation in mourning the passing of Sargent Shriver.

Few people have had the impact on our nation that Mr. Shriver did. His unwavering dedication to the excellence and the ideal of public service laid a groundwork that Americans continue to follow to this day.

A veteran of the United States Navy and a recipient of the Purple Heart, Mr. Shriver leaves an unmatched legacy of leadership through the founding of organizations and programs such as Special Olympics, Peace Corps, Head Start and Job Corps.

In 2003, Shriver's remarkable enthusiasm for tackling difficult issues was exhibited yet again. Just 10 days before his 88th birthday, as he retired from his post as chairman of the Special Olympics, he bravely disclosed his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Mr. Shriver, his wife Eunice and their children and grandchildren immediately recognized the need for more Alzheimer's disease awareness. They became active in Alzheimer's Association activities.

In 2004, Mr. and Mrs. Shriver founded the Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award, an honor presented annually at the Alzheimer's Association National Gala. The Shriver family participates in presenting the award, which recognizes those whose actions promote a greater understanding of Alzheimer's.

In addition, Mr. Shriver's daughter, award-winning journalist and former First Lady of California Maria Shriver, has worked to educate people about Alzheimer's, first as the author of the children's book What's Happening to Grandpa, then as an executive producer of the award-winning documentary series HBO's "The Alzheimer's Project" and most recently with her release of The Shriver Report: A Women's Nation Takes on Alzheimer's in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association.

The Shriver family continues to raise awareness about Alzheimer's by contributing to an increased dialogue about the disease among Americans and by encouraging the government to increase their focus on Alzheimer's disease, including vocal support for the National Alzheimer's Project Act, an Alzheimer's Association-supported landmark act signed into law by President Obama in early January.

It is in the same spirit of compassion, generosity and steadfast dedication to public service embodied by Mr. Shriver that the Alzheimer's Association strives to help all Americans affected by Alzheimer's. As the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research, the Association provides individuals and families with information and resources to cope with Alzheimer's disease while supporting significant exploration of the brain to identify Alzheimer's as early as possible. Ultimately, the Association's goal is to slow or halt the progression of the disease and eradicate Alzheimer's.

To view a statement from the Shriver Family, please visit www.SargentShriver.org.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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