Alzheimer's Association Greater NJ Chapter - Volunteer Spotlight

The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter (AAGNJ), the leading volunteer-driven voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support, advocacy and research is spotlighting people who make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia especially in April – National Volunteers Month. Today we say thank you to Bill Zhang, an Alzheimer’s Congressional Team (ACT) member for New Jersey’s fourth district represented by Congressman Chris Smith. Bill has brought his own unique story, relationships and skills to bear, in raising awareness for Alzheimer's disease, public policy issues and critical research funding.

"I am so inspired by Bill's passion and leadership in fighting dementia. At such a young age, he has planned and executed many initiatives that have made a dramatic impact in the dementia community. We appreciate Bill's advocacy so much and can't wait to see what he tackles in the future!" said Karen Golden, NJ Advocacy Manager, AAGNJ.

Bill explains, “Around the time I was in middle school, my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The news devastated my family. We were overwhelmed by fear and confusion, tearful phone calls, and perpetual frustration. For my grandmother, who lived alone with my grandfather in China, every mundane task became a painful fight. It felt as though Alzheimer’s had stolen from both of my grandparents -- my grandfather his spirit and body, my grandmother her freedom. After witnessing my family’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, I felt it was necessary to help others afflicted by the disease. In high school, I began volunteering at a local nursing home. There, I encountered distraught families demanding better care for loved ones, weary caretakers facing funding and staff shortages, and worst of all, seniors living in complete isolation and loneliness. That experience -- interacting with these people and seeing their struggles in concrete terms -- compelled me to act.”

Join Bill, and help make Alzheimer’s a priority in Congress by becoming an advocacy volunteer. To apply, go to https://alzimpact.org/volunteer.