The Journey of a Lifelong Advocate

By Josephine Cioffero

Debbie Miller is a lifelong advocate. She grew up supporting her younger brother, Rick, who has Down syndrome, and it was only natural she’d continue to when he developed Alzheimer’s. Now, she’s taking her advocacy efforts to the Florida capital at the upcoming Alzheimer’s Rally in Tally, joining advocates from across the state to gain legislative support for Alzheimer’s awareness, research and funding.

“We’re the best ones to tell our stories — the people who have direct experience with Alzheimer’s disease or caregiving for someone you love,” Debbie said. “Our voices need to be heard.”

Debbie understands it can be scary to speak up. She experienced it herself when she spoke at a Florida delegation meeting this year. But she was able to push through that fear to share her experience with Rick and why resources for caregivers, their loved ones and the general public are so crucial.

“I have given talks before, but this was different, intimidating,” Debbie said. “I took a deep breath and thought, ‘How do I connect with these people?’ So I said, ‘I’m sure many of you have been affected by someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.’ They nodded and smiled, and then I could continue.”

Rick has been in a long-term care facility for over a year, giving him the socialization, activities and structure that Debbie couldn’t provide alone. For a while, his condition stabilized, but Debbie’s starting to see the decline, the inevitable. So she continues to advocate and educate about the reality of Alzheimer’s.

“It’s hard to have patience, not blame yourself, not feel guilty,” she said. “That’s why the Alzheimer’s Association and the funding is so important: to have these services for caregivers.”

Ultimately, Debbie’s fight is for her brother, herself and everyone affected by the disease. And that fight is realized by taking action and speaking up when others can’t.

“We don’t want to forget our people,” she said. “As they lose their memories and who they are, we can’t forget who they are.”

Join advocates like Debbie this Jan. 26-27 in Tallahassee to help secure funding and support for Florida families facing Alzheimer’s. The deadline to register is Jan. 9. Visit alzfla.org/Rally2026 to learn more and sign up.