releases: http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1215
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1215 | Toomey?s Take: Fighting Alzheimer?s [press_release] | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Patrick Toomey | T000461 | toomey.senate.gov | legacy | Last month, my wife, Kris, and I took our three children to the "Walk to End Alzheimer's" that began at Citizens Bank Park in Philly. It was the last of 30 such walks held across the commonwealth as part of National Alzheimer's Awareness Month in November. With more than 15,000 attending, it was the largest in Pennsylvania and was a unifying show of strength, not to mention a pleasant way to raise both awareness and money to fight this destructive disease. We all walked to raise awareness for the victims of this cruel illness - 70 percent of whom still live at home. We walked in solidarity for those affected by this disease. We also walked for ourselves and our children in the confident hope that we will find the cause and cure for Alzheimer's. We drew support from each other, and, simply by walking together, the burden became a little easier to carry. Consider the words of one such volunteer: "The toll this disease has taken on my family is devastating; my grandmother, aunt, uncle, and mother all suffered from dementia, and my dad died of a heart attack after caring for my mother for so long. I volunteer and walk in their memory to help others impacted by Alzheimer's and its related disorders," said Kevin S. Tucker, Public Policy Coalition Chair and Board Member, Greater Pa. Chapter, Alzheimer's Association. While most people I meet are familiar with the disease, they might not know just how widespread it is in our state. Pennsylvania has the fifth-highest statewide total in the nation of people suffering from Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. Pennsylvania is also a leading state in the commitment of volunteers and caregivers to fight it. Research from the U.S. Census, Department of Labor, National Alliance for Caregiving, and the AARP estimates that Pennsylvania's Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers provide 760 million hours of unpaid care valued at over $9 billion. That's a staggering figure, and a true testament to their compassion and determination. "Every 68 seconds someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease," said Wendy L. Campbell, President and CEO of the Delaware Valley Chapter, Alzheimer's Association. "The impact of this disease and its related disorders would be insurmountable without the active involvement of our congressional delegation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and so many care and advocacy organizations. Our walks are just one way to bring all of them together with our dedicated volunteers and families to combat this ever-growing crisis." If someone in your family suffers from the disease, I encourage you to share your story. You will be amazed at the support you can provide to others who face the same difficult responsibility of caring for a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer's or dementia. Alzheimer's is a tragic illness that robs its victims of one of their life's greatest possessions - their memories. Working together, I'm confident that we can end it. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |