I sent a book to the White House today. Specifically, I sent a copy of Her Final Year: A Care-Giving Memoir to the White House. To First Lady Michelle Obama.
At this point, you may be asking Why? After all, isn't she busy enough? and point out the White House web page about Mrs. Obama, which indicates that she's already got a pretty full plate - aside from being Malia and Sasha's mom, she's also engaged in the following activities:
As First Lady, Mrs. Obama looks forward to continuing her work on the issues close to her heart — supporting military families, helping working women balance career and family, encouraging national service, promoting the arts and arts education, and fostering healthy eating and healthy living for children and families across the country.
Well, I thought it couldn't hurt to ask her to add one more item to the things she helps bring to the attention of the nation - Alzheimer's Disease.
Many of you already know about the book, which was co-authored by Shadan7 & I with our wives and drew upon many blog, journal & email entries. Some of you are familiar with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia. But how many of you are aware of just how big the Alzheimer's issue is about to get? It's expected to become a very big problem.
Here's how the Alzheimer's Association sees it:
By 2030, the number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to reach 7.7 million — a 50 percent increase from the 5.2 million aged 65 and older currently affected.
Bringing some more attention to it now, before it does, might help mitigate the potential (and devastating) impact.
And that's why I thought it might be worth sending a copy to the First Lady.
*NB: We'll be giving away free Kindle downloads of Her Final Year on Father's Day.