Last month, I was fortunate to be one of 900 volunteers to join the Alzheimer’s Association for its annual Community Leadership Summit in San Diego. It was energizing to meet other volunteers and learn the various reasons and motivations that bring us together to actively support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Throughout the conference, the Alzheimer’s Association emphasized the critical role volunteers play in the success in supporting the 29,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s in Maine and over 46,000 caregivers here. My role as a volunteer in Maine is to raise awareness and funds to help continue this much needed work.

This year’s gathering of community volunteers is important to me because it provided connection to so many people who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s. It was also encouraging to hear the advancements being made in research to find a cure and the continued work in public policy and advocacy to ensure broad access to treatments and improving early detection and diagnosis.

The conference gave me a new perspective and appreciation for all the ways volunteers in Maine can support individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s. As an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, I look forward to doing my part, but more volunteers are needed. I invite other Mainers to join me in fighting this devastating disease. Learn more at alz.org/volunteer.

Elise Bridge
Cape Elizabeth

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