Advocacy in Action: Meeting with Lawmakers to Drive Change

Recently, I had the honor of meeting with Kathy Castor alongside fellow advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association to discuss critical legislation impacting families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

We are incredibly grateful for her support and commitment to co-sponsoring both the ASAP and AADAPT Acts, two initiatives designed to improve early detection, treatment access, and overall care standards for those living with these conditions.

These conversations are not just policy discussions. They are about real families, real caregivers, and real lives.

Why Alzheimer’s Advocacy Matters More Than Ever

Alzheimer’s and dementia care is one of the fastest-growing healthcare challenges in the United States. Millions of families are navigating complex care decisions, often without the guidance or resources they need.

Caregivers are carrying an enormous burden, providing billions of hours of unpaid care while facing emotional, physical, and financial strain

This is why advocacy at both the state and federal level is essential.

Back at the State Capitol: Turning Personal Loss Into Policy Change

In addition to federal conversations, I returned to our State Capitol this week to meet with legislators about implementing and sponsoring critical bills into Congress.

My focus is clear:

• Establishing early detection processes for Alzheimer’s and dementia

• Creating required safety standards for memory care facilities

• Expanding state-funded awareness and education programs

These are not abstract goals. They are deeply personal.

The Promise Behind the Mission

I made a promise to my mom.

A promise to advocate for better systems, better care, and better outcomes for families walking this path.

Alzheimer’s is not just a diagnosis. It is a disease that slowly takes someone you love, while asking families to navigate an overwhelming system with little support.

That has to change.

From Florida to Washington, D.C.

This is just the beginning.

The next step is Washington, D.C., where these conversations continue at a national level. The goal is to bring real change to how Alzheimer’s and dementia care are understood, funded, and implemented across the country.

Because families should not have to figure this out alone.

A Larger Mission: Advocacy, Awareness, and Action

Advocacy is about more than legislation.

It is about:

• Giving caregivers a voice

• Creating systems that actually support families

• Bringing awareness to a disease that affects millions but is still widely misunderstood

This work is both professional and deeply personal.

And it is a mission I will continue to pursue.