Kicking Off the New Year with Advocacy Activities

Like many, I thoroughly enjoyed the slowed-down pace that the tail-end of November and the month of December provided as we chilled for the holidays and spent time in cozy places. And now, the new year is complete as my schedule fills up with Alzheimer’s-related tasks. Here’s a look at some of the things you can start doing today to support Alzheimer's advocacy efforts if that’s your thing.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s registration is open for 2021. Not all walks have a date yet, at least we don’t in Philly, and with the pandemic, who knows what they might look like, but, as we all know all too well, funding is sorely needed no matter what date on the calendar the walk occurs or what form the walk takes this year. So, you can go ahead and take a moment to sign up on the Walk to End Alzheimer's website.

I, personally, aim to host a fundraiser once a month to keep a steady pace of fundraising. First up, I’m hitting up my local jewelry store partner, Kendra Scott, who will be hosting a giveback night for me ahead of Valentine’s Day. (I also wrote another article on virtual fundraising ideas if you want to learn more.)

Alzheimer’s Impact Movement

Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (or AIM) is the advocacy group affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association. Its goal is to provide a voice for the Alzheimer’s community within the legislatures, federal and state, to provide support and funding.

The key to making our voices heard among elected officials is sharing stories like the ones that we all have with those who represent us at the state and national levels. If this sounds like your thing, you can sign up to hear more about it on the Alzheimer's Impact Movement website.

Share your story

It’s really a simple thing, but it takes courage, to share your Alzheimer’s story. But it can also feel very empowering. Whether you’re interacting with this community on the Facebook group or through comments and status updates on this website, you sharing your story with the community is a powerful step.

AlzheimersDisease.net has provided each of its community members the ability to share your own story, if you choose. You never know with whom or how your experiences may resonate. Simply knowing that we’re not alone in this, especially on those particularly hard days, is valuable beyond measure.

A means to heal

I, personally, feel better about a thing when I have something to do. Alzheimer's disease, living with it or in fear of it, can be very crippling given that there is little in the way of therapies and there is no cure. However, if you're anything like me, taking actionable steps to eradicate Alzheimer's is the salve that aids your broken heart in healing.

If you're anything like me this post could be your starting point for healing and for action. And I'd love to hear about your experiences taking these steps in the comments!