Ronald Wilson Reagan, 1911 - 2004 Photo courtesy of Alzheimer's Association
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Alzheimer's Association Mourns Long-Time Partner Ronald Reagan
ST. LOUIS, MO. (SLFP.com), June 6, 2004 - The Alzheimer's Association joined the world in mourning the loss of former President of the United States Ronald Wilson Reagan, who passed away Saturday, June 5, 2004, at age 93.
Ronald Reagan, who won the Republican presidential nomination in 1980, served as the 40th President of the United States from January 20, 1981, to January 20, 1989, In 1994, former President Reagan announced to the world that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease
In a statement, Alzheimer's Association's President and CEO, Sheldon Goldberg, said, "Our heart-felt condolences go out to the Reagan family."
The following are excerpts from Goldberg's statement:
President Reagan's legendary sense of hope and optimism were a source of inspiration to all of us, and especially to the 4.5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease and their families and friends, and the many millions more around the globe. We are grateful that President and Mrs. Reagan worked with courage and generosity to increase public awareness of this terrible brain disease, and of the need for increased and accelerated research for effective treatments, preventions and a cure.
The Alzheimer's Association is proud of our long partnership with President and Mrs. Reagan, starting in 1983 when the President designated November as National Alzheimer's Disease Month, and continuing through the creation of the Alzheimer's Association's Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute in 1995.
With the aging of the baby boom generation, it is projected that the nation will witness a 70% increase in those affected by the disease by 2030, with 7.7 million afflicted. However, the rapid progress in research is making it more likely that there with be scientific breakthroughs in the next ten years, leading to prevention and the possibility that the baby boomers could be the first generation in history to NOT have to face Alzheimer's in their future - IF we act now to accelerate progress.
The Alzheimer's Association is asking Congress for a modest $40 million increase in federal funding this year to help carry out large-scale clinical trials to identify treatments able to slow or halt the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Past federal investment in Alzheimer research has been rewarded by phenomenal progress in science, but we remain far short of the $1 billion necessary to ensure these imminent breakthroughs will happen.
The Alzheimer's Association is honored that the Reagan family has designated the Association as one of the organizations to receive contributions in his name. Those who wish to make a donation to honor President Reagan may call 800-272-3900. A fitting tribute to Ronald Reagan, his life and legacy, would be to join with the Alzheimer's Association to create a world without Alzheimer's disease - and it is within our reach.
National Race for The Cure(R) Draws Thousands
to Fight Breast Cancer
WASHINGTON, D.C. (PRNewswire), June 6, 2004 - Participants at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation National Race for the Cure(R) were among the first to view a new breast cancer ribbon as they descended on the National Mall, June 5, in Washington, D.C.
More than 51,000 runners and walkers, including 3,500 breast cancer survivors, participated in the 15th annual 5K event to raise money for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs. Early estimates indicate more than $2 million was raised to support the fight against breast cancer.
The Komen National Race for the Cure(R) drew participants from across the country and around the world. During pre-Race ceremonies, Komen Foundation President and CEO Susan Braun was joined by Foundation Board Member and breast cancer survivor Karen Rivera to unveil the new Co-Survivor program to the crowd. The Co-Survivor program, and its new interlocking pink and white ribbon, represents the special relationship between people who have fought breast cancer and those who supported them along the way.
"The new Co-Survivor ribbon is building on the strength of the pink breast cancer ribbon, a universal symbol of breast cancer awareness and survivorship," Braun said in a statement. "Breast cancer survivors inspire us and fuel our efforts - honoring them has been a priority of the Komen Foundation for more than 20 years. Today, we continue in that strong tradition by recognizing Co- Survivors, and giving breast cancer survivors a chance to thank those they love and depend on most."
This year's event kicked off with the traditional Parade of Pink to celebrate and recognize those who have fought breast cancer as well as remember those who have passed. Honorary Breast Cancer Survivor Chair, Congresswoman Sue Myrick, and Telemundo television star and breast cancer survivor, Ana Maria Polo, led the Parade. Other dignitaries at the event included Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer, Mayor Anthony Williams and CBS Early Show Anchor Rene Syler.
A minimum of $1 million of the funds raised through the Komen National Race will remain in the Washington, D.C., community - including Virginia and Maryland - to fund outreach programs and initiatives that address the specific unmet breast health needs of the area. Washington, D.C., has the highest breast cancer mortality rate in the U.S.
The Komen National Race for the Cure(R) has grown significantly each year from 7,000 registered participants in 1990 to more than 60,000 in 2003. This year, the Komen Foundation celebrates the 15th Anniversary of the Komen National Race, one of more than 100 5K runs/fitness walks in its signature program, the Komen Race for the Cure(R) Series.
The Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure will take place, June 12, in
Downtown St. Louis. For more information, call 314-725-2592.
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