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2011 Advocacy Forum–Photos and Words to Remember
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
“The 2011 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum proved to be the largest in the event’s 23-year history More than 600 advocates from across the country gathered to learn, engage and inspire others in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.” -Robert Egge, Vice President of Public Policy
For the first time ever, the New York City Chapter was able to visit all of our elected officials–thanks to the huge amount of advocates and ambassadors who made the trip! If you were unable to attend, stay tuned for updates over the next few days about everything we learned and advocated for. In the meantime, please enjoy some photos from our most successful trip! See you soon!
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich provides hopeful Keynote
Amy Shope Manzi, American Heart Association; Barry Jackson, Senior Manager, Grassroots AARP; Bill McIntyre, Edelman/Grassroots and John Funderburk of the Alzheimer's Association discuss "Building a Movement"
Melody Barnes, Director of Domestic Policy Council addresses audience
“Just as you will never stop, neither will we” -Melody Barnes
Susan Caccappolo, NYC Chapter Board Member provides her "NAPA Input"
Send your ideas and demands for NAPA at www.alz.org/napa
Advocates storm Capitol Hill
NYC Chapter Advocates Ellen, Hili, and Jessica wait to meet with elected officials
Chapter Ambassador Dave R. and Advocate Jessica S. head to the Hill to advocate for Alzheimer's
Chapter Staff, Board and Advocates prepare to take a meeting
Advocates from the entire state of New York wait to meet with Senator Gillibrand
Jed Levine of the NYC Chapter advocates for Alzheimer's with Senator Gillibrand of New York
Advocates meet with Cristina Batt, Senior Policy Adviser to Congressman Engel
Advocates meet with staffers from Congressman Rangel's office
A beautiful day for Advocacy!
Posted in: Advocacy Forum
It was a great experience. So many…all with the same mission, the same message…we must make Alzheimer’s a National Priority and invest in research, early diagnosis, care and support! We had an outstanding team from the NYC Chapter. My thanks to all, staff and volunteers, who helped make our day on the Hill so successful! A special thanks to the members of our Junior Committee who took time off from work to be in Washington with us.
This was my first time at the forum and I was overwhelmed by the number of dedicated advocates in attendance. There were so many brave individuals that shared their personal struggles with this devastating disease. However, though there were some tears shed, there was an overwhelming sense of optimism at the direction the disease is headed towards; a national plan to tackle this, more funding for research and better planning with earlier detection. I was proud to be among so many amazing people!
Wonderful experience, my first time at the forum. I posted an article about it on my blog with photos: http://open.salon.com/blog/erica_k
I was honored to be part of such a meaningful event and to meet such dedicated individuals united for the same cause. I dedicate the struggle to my mother, for whom I’ve been a caregiver since last year.