Decked out in purple shirts with the words “Voice” on the front and “Alzheimer’s” on the back, Derek Dickard, executive director of the Morning Pointe Assisted Living of Calhoun, Georgia, along with local families took to the capitol steps in Atlanta. Their goal: to be heard on a disease that has affected so many.

“I think the sea of purple shirts helps sends a message,” said Eddie Moles. He traveled to Atlanta on behalf of his wife who struggles with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Helen Gamble wanted to be a part of “Awareness Day” at the Georgia State Capitol as well. Like the hundreds that wore their purple shirts, she went for her husband, who is also struggling with Early-onset Alzheimer’s.

“We need more funding for research on this disease,” says Dickard. “And we need more support for those who take care of loved ones with Alzheimer’s.” Each year, Dickard and Morning Pointe of Calhoun families try to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association awareness day. This year, Dickard says they were keeping abreast of two key bills. One for respite care funding for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s and another that could impact resident care at assisted living communities.

“Anything I can do to help my residents, my families and others deal with Alzheimer’s, I am going to do it,” says Dickard.

Independent Healthcare Properties, LLC, a Chattanooga, Tenn.-based senior healthcare services company, develops and manages 17 Morning Pointe Assisted Living and Lantern Alzheimer’s/ Memory Care Center of Excellence communities in five southern states including locations in Collegedale and Chattanooga, Tenn.

IHP was founded in 1996 by regional healthcare entrepreneurs, Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow. For more information, please visit www.morningpointe.com.