Alzheimer’s impacts on N.D. families

My dad has Alzheimer’s. It has been years since his diagnosis, yet it is still difficult for me to say it so bluntly. Like most diseases, Alzheimer’s is misunderstood.

The MN-ND Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association was where our family turned when we needed help. We were concerned, scared, and frankly at a loss on what was the right thing to do. With the Alzheimer’s Association’s guidance, together we were able to find a wonderful home for Dad, help Mom with the transition to living alone, and support one another on this unexpected life path.

Within the MN-ND Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, there is a group of strong, unrelentingly advocates influencing national policy and creating awareness of this devastating disease. I am one of those passionate advocates. We work with our state and national legislators, attending rally days at the State Capitols as well as an Advocacy Forum in Washington DC.

This past spring, my spirited 80 year old mother traveled to DC, put on her walking shoes, and tackled Capitol Hill. Both North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, along with their staffs, graciously welcomed us into their Senate offices. They heard our stories.

They effectively listened to their constituents. They did their jobs as legislators.

Unfortunately, Representative Kevin Cramer, was not interested in hearing our stories. Neither was his staff. Advocates spend their own money to travel to DC. They dutifully prepare to effectively and efficiently tell their stories. Yet Kevin Cramer was not compelled to listen.

We did see Representative Cramer. And he saw us. The Alzheimer’s Advocates are hard to miss adorned with our pageant style purple sashes. We waved, calling out “Representative Cramer, please, we are here from North Dakota. Please!” He ditched us. Ducked into an elevator.

Candidate George Sinner did not duck my calls. In fact, he made special effort to meet my dad. He was interested in hearing about what it is like living with Alzheimer’s, how the disease has impacted our family, how it will affect our nations’ future.

Vote for George Sinner. He will take time to listen to all North Dakotans, at home and in Washington DC.

Darcy Prochnow McKenzie

Alzheimer’s Ambassador to Minnesota’s Second Congressional District

But always, a Great Bend ND farmer’s daughter