Chapter Volunteer Serves on
National Early-Stage Advisory Group

The Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter is proud to announce that volunteer Jim Corrigan was among the newest members welcomed to the 2009 National Early-Stage Advisory Group (ESAG). This body was first instituted in 2006 as a critical component of the Association’s commitment to engage people with dementia as partners in developing needed programs and services, raising awareness of the Alzheimer’s experience and furthering advocacy initiatives. Now in its fourth year, the ten members of the 2009 ESAG bring a diverse array of backgrounds to enrich our efforts. 

San Francisco resident Jim and his partner Tom first got involved with the Alzheimer’s Association when they attended a six-week education program for Early Stage individuals and their primary caregivers. They started attending an Early Stage support group and made their first foray into volunteering with the Association when they agreed to tell their story at an Association event. Since then, they have shared their journey with the disease on behalf of the Association at several events. Jim will serve as the first member of ESAG from the LGBT community.

Jim is just one of hundreds of people in the community who take up the Alzheimer’s cause. Here in his own words is his story about why he volunteers with the Association and followed by stories from other volunteers who use their unique experiences with the disease as motivation to give back:

Jim Corrigan, San Francisco

Member, 2009 National Early-Stage Advisory Group

I wasn’t the one who noticed signs of cognitive decline – my employer was. I clearly remember my boss calling me into his office one day and telling me something was not right. After 12 years of work, I was told to retire.

I received my diagnosis in 2006 at 54 years old. I was so angry back then. I especially got mad when I kept losing things and constantly had to ask myself “Where is it?” But a lot of that anger is gone; I don’t hold on to it like I used to.

It breaks my heart to see people in my Alzheimer’s Association Early Stage support group who are going through many of the same things that I am going through. Support is great, but it’s certainly not a cure. That’s why I am committed to the cause. I’ve seen how ugly this disease is and I’m screaming for folks to find a cure.

I can’t get enough of being involved and it’s a privilege to be part of the National Early-Stage Advisory Group. I don’t want to just sit around and wait for the disease to take me. I need to be a voice. I will be a voice until I no longer can be.

Carol Wiley, Folsom

Office Volunteer, Memory Walk

Looking back, being laid off from my job was a blessing because I didn’t know what road I would be facing with my dad having Alzheimer’s. Signs of the disease started creeping in about three years ago; he passed away on Cinco de Mayo this year at almost 88 years of age. He was a teacher, insurance salesman and a gifted artist and musician.

Being unemployed, I was able to help navigate my family through multiple decisions about medications, facilities and other issues. I learned how much the family dynamics change through caregiving and just how much care was necessary for someone with Alzheimer’s – we went to the Emergency Room nine times in February.

My last job was as an event planner so it’s a natural fit to be volunteering with Memory Walk. I help fulfill requests from our sponsors, with planning the kickoff meeting, sending out brochures; basically whatever is needed from me! I’ve even made visits to local legislators to talk about the importance of funding for Alzheimer’s disease programs and services. I believe we all have a responsibility to society to understand this disease, be proactive and support research because we’re talking about the quality of everyone’s health in the future. I know what it’s like for families going through this and I’m happy to be able to help in any way I can.

Robert Fanno, Chico

Public Policy Volunteer

My wife and I first got involved with the Alzheimer’s cause when my mother was diagnosed in the mid-1970s. A core group of about eight people started meeting and we formed a support group; eventually we joined the Alzheimer’s Association.

I got involved in advocacy in about 2000. I saw that people needed more help than was available and I figured the only way we could get them the help they needed was through legislation. This disease is devastating emotionally and financially. There are things government can do for people while saving money in the long run. For example, while it costs Medical and Medicare to help families keep loved ones at home, it saves everyone money by keeping them out of costly skilled nursing homes.

I feel I have to be a voice for people dealing with the day-to-day care of people with Alzheimer’s. They need a champion, an advocate. I went to the Public Policy Forum in D.C. this year, I’ve visited legislators in person, called them on the phone and sent emails. The politics of it all can be frustrating and I guess I’ve gotten a bit jaded, but this issue has to be heard because we are coming to a crisis of catastrophic proportions. We must be the squeaky wheel.

I believe advocacy is being a voice, it’s writing a letter, telling your neighbor, showing compassion to the caregiver and individual with dementia. You can be an advocate at all different levels – whether you want to be aggressively lobbying in person or at home writing letters. The more people we get involved, the louder our voice will be.