Thanks for the congratulations and kind words.

Please join us in the battle against Alzheimer's disease.

Friends, I'm deeply honored and grateful for the overwhelming support and congratulations I have received since being elected as Board Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter. Your kind words mean the world to me, and I'm excited to embark on this new chapter in my journey with Alzheimer's advocacy.

For me, volunteering to contribute to Alzheimer’s advocacy and fundraising is deeply personal. Having lost my mother, grandmothers, and my godmother to the disease, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact it has on families. The journey of caregiving was challenging, filled with moments of sadness, frustration, and love. It was during this time that I realized the urgent need for support and research to combat this debilitating disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

VISION:

A world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

MISSION:

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.

The Alzheimer's Association Louisiana Chapter stands as a beacon of hope for those affected by Alzheimer's, providing essential resources and support statewide. With a mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s through research, care, and risk reduction, the Alzheimer's Association plays a vital role in enhancing lives affected by this devastating disease. The Louisiana Chapter is committed to serving the needs of individuals and families facing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

In addition to serving on the Louisiana Chapter's Board, I am also an Advocate for the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM). AIM is the advocacy arm of the Alzheimer’s Association, working to make Alzheimer’s a national priority. AIM advocates for policies at the federal, state, and local levels to improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Through AIM, I have had the opportunity to raise awareness, advocate for increased research funding, and support legislation that impacts those living with Alzheimer's.

AIM plays a pivotal role in our battle against Alzheimer's in Louisiana and across the nation. Our current mission is to rally support from Louisiana's Congressional members for FY 2024 Appropriations for the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) and the Alzheimer's Accountability Act (AAIA). A united front is crucial to making a lasting impact on the fight against Alzheimer's in our state.

Fellow AIM Advocates and I have met with Congressional members sharing our personal challenges as Alzheimer’s caregivers, shedding light on the struggles faced by countless families throughout Louisiana. In Louisiana, 94,700 people aged 65 and older battle Alzheimer’s, with over 200,000 dedicated caregivers providing 363 million hours of unpaid care. Orleans Parish bears the highest burden with a 15.4% Alzheimer’s rate.

We've also urged Louisiana Congressional representatives to champion our cause by endorsing an additional $321 million for Alzheimer's research at The National Institutes of Health (NIH). Equally important is allocating $35 million to implement the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Fiscal Year 2024. These funds are lifelines, propelling our collective fight against Alzheimer's and dementia.

In Louisiana, 94,700 people aged 65 and older battle Alzheimer’s, with over 200,000 dedicated caregivers providing 363 million hours of unpaid care. Orleans Parish bears the highest burden with a 15.4% Alzheimer’s rate.

Serving as Board Chair on the Alzheimer's Association Louisiana Chapter's Community Leadership Board is both a privilege and a responsibility. While the Board Chair has no legal or fiduciary responsibility, they play a critical role in helping a high-performing board become a Board of Excellence, one that has successfully carried out the activities in the strategic plan.

As a Board Member, I'm committed to supporting the mission and vision of the Alzheimer's Association. This includes participating in board meetings, community events, and advocacy efforts. I also continue to serve on the local Walk To End Alzheimer's planning committee and as an Annual Walk Captain, leading efforts to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's research, care, and support.

Support for Alzheimer's Patients and Caregivers:

The Alzheimer's Association offers a wide range of support services for individuals living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. This includes a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900), where experts provide confidential support and information in over 200 languages. Their website, alz.org, serves as a valuable resource for those living with Alzheimer's, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Support groups and educational programs run both online and in communities nationwide, ensuring accessibility for all.

Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and participants, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's raised $100 million in 2023 — a record amount for any single year since the inception of the world's largest event to fight the disease. These vital funds enable the Association to deliver 24/7 care and support, advocate fearlessly for people facing the disease and fuel groundbreaking research across the globe.

I invite you to join me in the fight against Alzheimer's. Whether it's volunteering your time, participating in events like the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's, or advocating for crucial legislation, your support is invaluable. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's and work towards a world without this debilitating disease.

Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and participants, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's raised $100 million in 2023 — a record amount for any single year since the inception of the world's largest event to fight the disease.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's. If you are a caregiver and someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, don’t do it alone. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at: 800-272-3900 and visit their website at: www.alz.org