Alongside advocates and supporters from throughout the Monmouth and Ocean County region, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) today helped cut the ribbon at the Alzheimer’s Association 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer's, held in his congressional district in Bradley Beach. Smith is the founder and Chairman of the Bipartisan, Bicameral Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's disease, and a long-time, effective advocate for Alzheimer’s funding and research.
“Today, five million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and unless we find a way of slowing its progression—and God willing, a cure—the number will triple by 2050,” said Smith who co-authored the bipartisan National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA, P.L. 111-375), which requires the creation of an annually-updated strategic National Alzheimer’s Plan to fight Alzheimer’s and help those with the disease and their families.
“Your participation today and your walking to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research, gives family members and people suffering from the disease hope that significant progress will be made,” Smith said to the crowd of thousands who were not deterred by the rain.
“As co-founder and chairman of the Alzheimer’s caucus since 2000, I am pleased to report that we have tripled Alzheimer’s research dollars from just under $600 million in 2015 to $1.8 billion in 2018. That investment in research is reason for serious hope that we will someday soon find a cure,” he added.
An estimated 2,000 people in purple shirts crowded the boardwalk for the event, which was at times hopeful, tearful, inspirational and promising. According to Christine Hopkins, Alzheimer’s Association Ambassador and Bradley Beach Walk Co-Chair, over 150 teams of walkers are expected to raise $200,000 for Alzheimer’s awareness and research at today’s event.
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
In addition to his pioneering work as an advocate for the those suffering from and caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease, Rep. Smith is also chairman of the House subcommittee which oversees global health issues and held the first ever congressional hearing examining the global strategies to address Alzheimer’s disease, entitled “Global Strategies to Combat the Devastating Health and Economic Impacts of Alzheimer’s Disease” in 2011, and a second in 2013.
Smith is also working to garner added support for legislation he introduced last year, Kevin and Avonte’s Law, which will help protect seniors with Alzheimer’s who are prone to wandering, and children with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Smith noted that family members are particularly supportive of the proposed Kevin and Avonte’s Law as it will fund programs designed to help family members find loved ones in the critical first 24 hours.
“According to the Alzheimer’s Association, half of Alzheimer’s patients who wander will suffer serious injury, sometimes fatal, if not found within the first 24 hours,” Smith said. “Once enacted, this legislation will make grants available to law enforcement agencies and non-profits to provide training to prevent wandering and implement lifesaving technology programs to find individuals who have wandered.”
The bill passed the House last year but the session ended before the Senate took action. Smith is working with like-minded senators to help move the bill through that chamber in a more timely fashion this Congress.
