Ending Alzheimer’s

Over the past two years, I have lost three cousins to Alzheimer’s. The cousins ages ranged from 66 to 84. Ages that some might think “old enough to die”, but all three lost their lives much earlier. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just kill; it robs you of your everyday life.

Christine was a beautiful mother, wife, and lover of God. She was faithful to her church and family until she was robbed by Alzheimer’s disease.

Davey was a true family man. He was a hard worker who took care of his family and built a home for his daughters and son. His family was his life until he was robbed by Alzheimer’s disease.

Jerry was a husband, father, grandfather and the guy you talked to when you needed small engine repair advice. He was someone who enjoyed being around people, until Alzheimer’s robbed him.

My mother, grandmother, three aunts and other cousins all died with Alzheimer’s robbing them of life long before they drew their last breath.

I was also robbed. For many of the last ten years of my mother’s life, she didn’t know she was my mom. I was fifty years old when she passed but lost her many years earlier.

I’ve been an advocate working with state and federal legislators for the Alzheimer’s Association for twenty years. I’ve seen remarkable success in research for symptoms and a cure for this most horrible of diseases. I give credit to these legislators and their bipartisan support.

But now, I’m worried that I am being robbed again. Worried that cuts to NIH and CDC funding could affect not only the current research but hopes for a cure.

Please join me in asking Congressman Morgan Griffith, and Senators Warner and Kaine to support the efforts to end Alzheimer’s.

Margie A. Shaver
Roanoke VA