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Alzheimer's Stamp and Alzheimer's Quilt--Need Your Support to Increase Awareness!
by Jacqueline Marcell
Posted October 17, 2006 6:34 AM
Posted October 17, 2006 6:34 AM
Posted in
Author Elder Rage www.ElderRage.com
Host Coping With Caregiving Radio Show www.wsRadio.com/CopingWithCaregiving
WELCOME BACK ALL MY CAREGIVERS—Tell us your story!
A nationwide campaign is underway to petition the U.S. Postal Service to issue a fundraising stamp known as a "semi-postal". They will select a cause for the stamp soon, so please help us convince them to select Alzheimer's Disease, which would raise millions for research of this devastating disease.
Please call the Capitol at (202) 225-3121 and ask to speak to your Congressman.
Locate: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
and: http://www.house.gov/writerep/ Ask for their support of the creation of an Alzheimer's postal stamp, emphasizing that it would not have any impact on the federal budget.
The request for a stamp dedicated to Alzheimer's Disease was initiated by Kathy Siggins in honor of her dear husband, Gene, who suffered for 13 years with A.D. and passed away in 1999. Following his death, Kathy began the tedious task of collecting signatures to petition the US Postal Service, collecting over 72,300 signatures in support of an Alzheimer's Semi-Postal Stamp.
Kathy has also created an Alzheimer's quilt, which will be included with numerous quilts laid side-by-side to form a huge quilt for The Alzheimer's Foundation of America's Quilt to Remember--being revealed in Central Park NY November 3-4. This tribute to those who have been afflicted by this heart-breaking disease will also bring national media attention, which is so needed for public awareness. Anything you can do to help spread the word, please do: http://www.alzfdn.org/quilt/index.shtml
Jacqueline Marcell
Author Elder Rage www.ElderRage.com
Host Coping With Caregiving Radio Show www.wsRadio.com/CopingWithCaregiving
Tell us your story!
Comments (5)
Have something to say? Share your thoughts.
Posted December 1, 2006 6:20 AM
I have been working since 1999 on getting the US Postal Service to issue the Alzheimer's Semipostal Stamp to raise money for AD research--and in response to the 85,000 signatures collected on a petition, Congress introduced H. Res. 466, urging the Postal Service to issue an Alzheimer's Semipostal Stamp.
Unfortunately, we were only able to get 28 co-sponsors, however, one is Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi! Her office said that the resolution has to be reintroduced, but that we may have a better chance now working with the new Congress. The resolution would cost Congress nothing, but has the potential to raise millions of dollars for Alzheimer's research.
As a volunteer, I make many visits to members of Congress, advocating for the Stamp and Alzheimer's research. To help them remember me, I often leave purple M&M's as symbol. I am hoping that someone here will have a connection to help me reach the right people who make M&M’s, because I would like to give them to ALL members of Congress to help brand the connection. Of course, the goal is to encourage them all to co-sponsor H. Res. 466.
Perhaps you know who to forward this request to.
Kathy
301-639-6533
Posted November 14, 2006 1:52 AM
JD and I arrived in NY on Friday, November 3 for the unveiling of the AFA Quilt to Remember. It was a bit windy and very cold but we soon forgot the weather as we began viewing the quilt panels. Some were simple with special messages on white muslim with pretty borders surrounding the panels while others were very elaborate with embroidery, pictures, ribbons and special pins. It was an emotional weekend for me as I viewed the quilt panels submitted by family members, caregivers and friends.
Each panel telling a story of loved ones lost and of others who continue their journey through this tragic and heartbreaking disease. It was a proud and emotional moment for me to see my quilt, in memory of my late husband, displayed along side others showing the compassion and much love that went into each and every stitch. This visual tribute will make a great impact on those who view it, hopefully bring greater public awareness to Alzheimer's disease.
Eighty-one quilt panels of 300 commitments were available for the unveiling in Central Park, NY. The AFA Quilt to Remember will begin a five city tour next year and it is expected to reach Washington, DC sometime in 2008. If you would like to add a quilt panel in honor or memory of your loved one, please contact the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) at www.alzfdn.org . Together we can make a difference. Thank you.
Posted October 27, 2006 9:02 AM
Thank you, Jacqueline, for bringing attention to these issues!
Thirty-one Members of Congress signed a letter, dated October 18, 2006, addressed to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, U.S. Postal Service to show support for an Alzheimer’s Semipostal (fundraising) Stamp. On September 27, 2005, in response to the 72,366 signatures collected nationwide on a petition, Congress introduced H. Res. 466 on the House floor. H. Res. 466 urges the U. S. Postal Service to issue an Alzheimer’s Semipostal Stamp. Only 27 of the 435 Representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of H. Res. 466. Sadly, this legislation will not move forward unless we can convince more Members of Congress to sign on. As co-sponsor of H. Res. 466 your Representative would be helping the 4.5 million Americans suffering from this tragic and heartbreaking disease. It is important to emphasize that this bipartisan legislation will cost Congress NOTHING. It will, however, give all Americans the opportunity to fund Alzheimer’s research by voluntarily purchasing the Alzheimer’s Semipostal Stamp. You can reach your Congressman by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202) 225-3121. Your calls are urgently needed. Thank you. Kathy Siggins-Brooks
__________________________________________
AFA Quilt to Remember
The tragedy of Alzheimer’s disease is felt worldwide and if we can promote greater public awareness we might be able to find a cure. I’m very proud to be a part of a very special tribute to those loved ones lost and to those who continue the journey of living with Alzheimer’s disease. I will be in Central Park, NY on November 3 for the opening ceremony standing proud as they lay my quilt panel along side others to form a much larger quilt. I understand that some organizations will not be taking part in this tribute. I believe that it is important for everyone to set aside their differences and come together for the good of the cause. I’ll be looking for Miracle on 98th Street. (98th and 5th Avenue.)
Kathy Siggins-Brooks
Posted October 28, 2006 11:14 AM
People ignore Alzheimer's because they are afraid to face this fate. With all of our medical "miracles" to keep us alive, is this our ultimate fate? Many people wonder if it is worthwhile living. I had a mother who had Alzheimer's luckily she had other health problems and it didn't drag on as long as it could have. She was one of the unlucky ones. She could remember what she ate or did an hour ago but she could remember that she could remember. She would hit herself in the head in an effort "knock some sense into it." On the other hand I have a mother-in-law who is now at the same place and she is loving having people cater to her.
We need to accelerate any assistance to Alzheimer's that can be given to improve the quality of living a long life as opposed to the indignity of Alzheimer's.
Posted October 28, 2006 8:43 PM
Yes, I have noticed that denial is universal in the beginning of any type of dementia because it comes and goes, so the periods of normalcy trick people into thinnking that everything is going to be okay.
I wrote more about this here: http://blog.thirdage.com/?p=566
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