April 16, 2020
Dear editor;
The COVID-19 crisis has had an impact on all of our daily lives, but especially vulnerable populations such as those impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Age and common health conditions that often accompany dementia may increase risk for COVID-19. Fortunately, the Alzheimer’s Association continues to provide critical resources, tips, and support to individuals and families impacted by dementia.
We personally have seen how dementia can impact individuals and families, and these impacts are exacerbated in this current crisis. Our grandmother had vascular dementia and we were homeschooled our last two years of high school so that we could care for her when the disease made her unable to care for herself.
However, large nonprofits such as the Alzheimer’s Association lready have been greatly impacted by the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, harming the ability to continue to effectively serve millions of Americans who rely on the services, supports, and resources, provided by the Association.
That’s why we’re asking our congressman, Bill Foster, to support establishing an exclusive fund to support nonprofit employers with between 500 and 10,000 employees, including loan forgiveness in the next COVID-19 relief package.
We must ensure that individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia have the critical resources provided by the Alzheimer’s Association both today and in the future.
We thank congressman Bill Foster for his consideration!
Emma VanZuiden and Cassandra VanZuiden, Aurora