Yingling shows genuine concern on dementia

I am a seasoned health care professional who joined the Alzheimer's Association as a champion member in order to lobby for policy support for those afflicted with dementia and their caregivers.

I was fortunate to meet in Springfield with hundreds of advocates whose goal was to promote active learning on the disease and its affect on all involved and to garnish support for several bills of significance related to our cause.

Rep. Yingling took valuable minutes out of his day and scheduled our meeting in advance. Although he does not have a health care background, he was well aware of the impact that dementia has on patients, families and caregivers.

We engaged in lively conversation especially about the rapid anticipated rise in Americans diagnosed with dementia and the burden caregivers must endure with little policy funding available for support.

As I spoke to Sam, his questions and words mirrored his desire to support our vulnerable elderly and to diligently review the bills coming up for vote. Unlike so many others I had spoken to that day, Sam was focused on our conversation and learning what he could in order to make a proper decision for his district.

Sam also conveyed such a genuine nature and concern for those who cannot speak for themselves that I was reminded of a quote by Martin Luther King Jr.(1966): "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane."

Indeed, Rep. Sam Yingling is an incumbent who professes ideals parallel with the initial foundations of our government system; to protect the rights of the people.

Jennifer Burns

Round Lake