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VOL.33, NO.4
Speak out to make a difference
Lobbying for cancer research Liza Fues, now 60, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 25 and again at age 30. American Cancer Society volunteers with similar experiences came to her aid and encouraged her to get involved. Today, the Bethesda resident lobbies for access to treatment, funding for research, and laws that discourage young people from using tobacco products. Advocacy does not require special skills,
APRIL 2021
I N S I D E …
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH HARRIS
By Glenda Booth In the 1990s, Sarah Harris was raising three children in Fairfax County when her husband was diagnosed (at age 53) with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. In the five years he lived with Alzheimer’s, he lost the ability to hold conversations or complete small tasks, like turning off the television. Harris’ experience inspired her to take action. Today, she is an Alzheimer’s Association ambassador to the Virginia legislature and U.S. Congress, advocating for more research funding and caregiver support. “Knowing I can go into my nation’s capital and speak with senators and congresspeople — it’s an awesome privilege,” said Harris, who has been speaking up for her late husband and others affected by Alzheimer’s for 24 years. Like Harris, many older adults have become advocates, activists, lobbyists, watchdogs or change agents. They see advocacy as a moral duty. They organize meetings, attend town halls, write emails and letters, make phone calls, circulate petitions, testify and even march in the streets. They may not have specific expertise initially, but they are committed volunteers who are driven to make a difference.
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ARTS & STYLE Sarah Harris overcame her natural shyness in order to lobby Congress for more Alzheimer’s research funds after her husband died of the disease in his 50s. Harris is one of many local older adults who have become outspoken advocates, devoting years to fighting diseases, striving for equal housing, and protecting the environment, among other causes.
Fues said. “Just tell your story. Our voices are more powerful because we’ve lived it. “Elected officials really do want to hear from us,” she added. “You’d be hard pressed to find someone who has not been impacted by cancer. Imagine if we could finally cure it — the lives that could be saved.”
Cancer survivor Linda Cookingham, 70, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at age 61 and given three to five years to live. She lucked into a clinical trial that saved her life. See ADVOCATES, page 33
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Decades of Sunday jazz with DJ Miyuki Williams; plus, Civil War books, and Bob Levey on going back to work page 32 TECHNOLOGY k How to get hacked
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FITNESS & HEALTH 7 k Painkillers and vaccines don’t mix k Solutions for lower back pain SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors
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LAW & MONEY 24 k How to make your money last k ‘Experts’ who steer you wrong LEISURE & TRAVEL k Picturesque Portugal
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ADVERTISER DIRECTORY
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