Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-chair of the House Alzheimer's disease caucus, was asked by the Alzheimer’s Association to present its national “Outstanding Advocate Award” to Mary Gerard, of Ocean Township, N.J., last night. The Alzheimer’s Association is holding its annual Alzheimer’s Association National Dinner and conference this week in Washington.
 
Gerard received the Alzheimer’s Association award, presented annually to an extraordinary Alzheimer’s advocate who has shown outstanding leadership. A former caregiver for her mother, Mary has made significant contributions in New Jersey and beyond to elevate public awareness of the disease and advocate for adequate research funding for Alzheimer’s disease.
 
    Smith, co-author of the National Alzheimer’s Disease Act (NAPA) enacted in 2011,  gave the following remarks prior to the presentation: 

    "In a room filled to overflowing with extraordinary advocates, it is my distinct privilege to present the Alzheimer’s Association “Outstanding Advocate of the Year” Award to a tenacious, tireless and remarkable friend of Alzheimer’s patients and their families. 

      "Mary Gerard of Ocean, New Jersey became a critical care nurse in 1990 and worked in the Intensive Care Unit at Jersey Shore Medical Center for 12 years.  She now works as an expert on drug safety for the pharmaceutical industry.

        "When her mother Helen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Mary took charge of her care for eight years until it became necessary to relocate her into a nursing home.  Mary was there with and for her mother day in and day out—faithfully and lovingly—until she passed. 

          "In 2010, Mary became a dedicated Alzheimer’s advocate, doggedly insisting on the critical need for

• the national plan;

• expanded research funding to accelerate the progress of new treatments, preventions and ultimately, a cure;

• enhanced care and support for those affected;

• reducing the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health; and

• respite for caregivers—like herself.

          "Last July, when others in my state went to the Jersey Shore for vacation, Mary spent her vacation in Washington meeting with Senators, Members of Congress, and relevant staff.  She spoke—we listened.   

          "Within the past few years, I’ve put together and chaired three expert Congressional hearings on the frightening global prevalence and explosion of Alzheimer’s disease estimated to be between 115 and 135 million people by 2050 and the need for concerted global action and coordination to mitigate and someday cure this horrific disease.  Again, Mary was there, helping us all the way. 

          "By her words and actions—by her effective advocacy—Mary Gerard has helped my colleagues and I better understand the numbing reality of coping with Alzheimer’s disease as patients and its impact on family, friends and society at large.    

          "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me and recognizing the 2014 “Outstanding Advocate of the Year”—Mary Gerard."

          The Alzheimer’s Association also present its Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Award to Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Gelfand family’s The Judy Fund was also be honored for their critical work in the fight against Alzheimer’s.  The Alzheimer’s Association Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Award is reserved for those who make significant advancements in Alzheimer research.