Date

I had a date for lunch with my son yesterday. I was in Atlanta and he was free so we were able to have a little time for lunch. I'm so glad he is back close to home. I've missed that.

Interesting story

I grew up in and around Peoria Illinois. Yes, it is always the butt of many jokes, but it is also the world headquarters of Caterpillar Tractor Company -- known now as only Caterpillar. Having said that it was interesting growing up in a "one company" town if you will. If you weren't associated with "CAT" you didn't exist. I remember once wanting to see a doctor and not being able to get in because I din't work for Cat. I had my secretary (whose husband did work for Cat) call and make an appointment for herself and then I went. I had to beg them to take me and they would only take cash money. I had good insurance but they didn't want to deal with it. I was lucky they even saw me at all.

Then over 30 years ago I got married and we moved to Athens Georgia -- where the single employer here is the University of Georgia. If you weren't associated with UGA you didn't exist. I can honestly say that over the years that has changed and you don't feel quite as alienated as you used to -- or at least we don't.

But now, Caterpillar announced today they are opening a plant here in Athens that will employ around 1,000 people. It's great for the community, but how ironic is that?

Alzheimer's Awareness Day

at the Georgia Capitol was yesterday. Over 300 people were in Atlanta to help advocate for some issues that our legislature is dealing with regarding Alzheimer's. Just a few years ago when this even was started there were a hand full of people there. I was so proud of our contingency from all over the state that came.

Everyone has their own unique story. And, after yesterday, I know that even when I cannot speak for myself, there will be a host of people out there advocating for me.

Thanks to my family for coming and taking time out of their work days -- as well as my daughter-in-law's father. That meant so much to me. I appreciate everyone's support.

I have lots to write about the visit and will do so when I get some photos to post from yesterday.
Thanks to the Alzheimer's Association of Georgia for hosting us and helping us with our visits.

Funding from the Government

Some increased funding for Alzheimer's research was authorized by the federal government this week. I'm grateful for that, even though it is a modest step. You can read more here.
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/medical/alzheimers/story/2012-02-07/Administration-boosts-funding-for-Alzheimers-research/52997920/1.

Need Your Help

I've discussed the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) on several occasions. The president is working on the budget and we need to be sure that he stays committed to NAPA.

Here is something from the Alzheimer's Association website -- if you clink on the link below you can sign the letter going to President Obama. It only takes a minute and we need your help.

Alzheimer's can't wait. We need a federal commitment in order to change the course of Alzheimer's disease. Tell President Obama millions of families are counting on him to fulfill the potential of the National Alzheimer's Project Act when he releases his upcoming Budget Request to Congress.

http://www.alz.org/petition/overview.asp?type=homepage_petition