Dear Readers,
S ome of you might have noticed that
recent issues of the Newsletter are smaller than
in the past. As part of our efforts to reduce
expenses we have changed the frequency with
which we run certain columns. Feedback
from our fall issue, which was the first one that
we shortened, has been excellent. Indeed, the
column on Early Stage Services was featured
in the online Alzheimer’s Daily News. Visit
www.alznews.com to subscribe.
Recently, I was honored to receive a
WESTY (West Side Spirit Thanks You) from
the West Side Spirit, my “hometown” newspaper
(http://westsidespirit.com). I am always
pleased to create greater awareness of the
devastation of Alzheimer’s and the hard work
of the chapter. As Lou-Ellen mentions in her
column, there is a great disparity in awareness
of and funding for Alzheimer’s disease when
compared to other serious health conditions.
Breast cancer and AIDS advocates have done an incredible job of raising awareness and
funds to fight these two very serious diseases,
which affect approximately 4 million young or
middle-aged adults combined. I think one of
the reasons why we have not seen the same
level of funding for and public outcry about
Alzheimer’s is that it is perceived predominantly
as a disease of aging reflecting a subtle — or
not-so-subtle — bias. Ignorance of Alzheimer’s
is another explanation. Recent studies tell us
that many in the general public still think that
Alzheimer’s is “just a little forgetting,” and are
unaware of the true nature of the disease and
the enormous burden on families and society.
Indeed, they are often unaware that AD is
actually a physical illness.
So many families don’t know that the help
and support of the Chapter is there to support
them — free of charge. As one family wrote
to me recently, “People coming for help with
such a frightening diagnosis are truly fortunate
to receive the wise and caring help that the
Chapter provides.” In 2010 we ask you to do
what you can to help us help others. Volunteer.
Advocate. Donate. Sign up for a research trial.
Speak up. Tell a neighbor or a friend about us.
Do a presentation in your community. Visit a
local elected official.
As we close this year, we hope for a New
Year that will bring us closer to a world
without Alzheimer’s. In the meantime I wish
us all a peaceful heart and the courage to carry
on the fight.
If you are in a position to help, please give as
generously as you can, and if you need our help,
please call or e-mail us at 1-800-272-3900 or
helpline@alznyc.org.
Thank you.
— Jed Levine
Executive Vice President,
Director of Programs & Services
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