Letter to the editor: Volunteers key to fighting Alzheimer's

Recently, I was one of thousands of volunteers from across the country to join the Alzheimer’s Association for its annual Community Leadership Summit in San Diego. It was energizing to meet other volunteers and learn the various reasons and motivations that bring us together to actively support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Volunteers play a critical role in supporting the over 280,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and their families here in Pennsylvania. The Alzheimer’s Association continues to advance hope for our friends, families and communities through progress in treatment and care. Together, through volunteering, awareness and research, we can end Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

What impacted me the most from attending the conference was connecting with other dedicated volunteers focused on the future of a world without Alzheimer’s. Each connection brought deeper understanding on how our individual and group efforts truly make an impact on those living with or caring for someone with the disease. I invite other Pennsylvania residents to join me in fighting this devastating disease. Learn more at alz.org/volunteer.

McKenna Gilbert

Shaler The writer is executive leadership team chair for the Pittsburgh Walk to End Alzheimer’s.