Losing my partner Faye to Alzheimer’s Disease three years ago was the most difficult experience of my life. However, through many years of caring for her and advocating for Alzheimer’s research and care, I have been inspired by so many caregivers, survivors, medical personnel, and people living with Alzheimer’s. There is an entire community working to change policy to improve care of people with Alzheimer’s and to access private and government funding for much-needed research.

I have dedicated my life to helping those are dealing with addiction, working to connect them with resources to aid them in their recovery. Our state has led the way in developing innovative approaches to dealing with substance abuse. And we are fortunate to have the leadership of people like Congressman Bill Keating in Washington to support and strengthen community efforts back here at home and to pursue legislation that has helped to prevent overdose deaths.