Each month, we’re featuring an advocate who engages with policymakers to ensure priorities that improve the lives of people impacted by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia remain top-of-mind in Congress.

As AIM has been celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, we have been proud to honor the advocates who have fueled our progress in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and other dementia. For nearly the same number of years AIM has been driving change, Florence “Pippy” Rogers of Georgia has been using her voice to move the mission forward. Pippy’s advocacy journey began with a promise to her mother, Virginia Rogers. 

“I advocate for my mother, who passed away in 2009,” Pippy said. “[At that time] one of the things I told her — whether she could respond or not — was that I was going to do something about this horrible disease.” That promise became the foundation for more than a decade of advocacy.

After retiring from a 32-year career in education, Pippy attended a local Walk to End Alzheimer’s where she learned about AIM advocacy. “The next thing I know, I'm doing advocacy training and then going to the state capitol… and I never left. That was 2011.

Interestingly, Pippy grew up in a political family and thought she’d never want anything to do with politics. “I was one of those kids that swore I’d never have anything to do with it,” Pippy said. But her experience taught her that advocacy is about more than politics — it’s about making a difference.

“I really felt that was my place,” said Pippy. I’m not one of those people that has trouble using my voice… I feel like I had a knack for it.” Although Pippy is involved in other Alzheimer’s Association initiatives, her AIM advocacy holds a unique significance for her. “Something I’m most passionate about is advocacy, because we speak for everybody, regardless if they have the disease or not.”

In her early years advocating, Pippy faced a challenge when she met with her local member of Congress and tried to convince him to support Alzheimer’s research funding. But Pippy persisted, keeping a positive attitude she continued to meet with him, and eventually he decided to support increased federal research funding. “Finally I got a win!” recalled Pippy. “That was the first big kick I got, being able to make the needle move.”

Reflecting on her years as an AIM advocate, Pippy says she has seen a real shift in awareness of the disease and support for AIM policy priorities grow. Today, thanks to advocates like Pippy, Congress has made addressing Alzheimer’s and other dementia a national priority.

While Pippy has been passionate about advancing every AIM policy priority over the years, her favorite legislative win has been the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. Originally signed into law in 2018 and reauthorized last year, this bipartisan law has been creating a dementia public health infrastructure in communities across the nation. 

“There’s not a bill we’ve passed that I didn’t like and didn’t feel proud of. But I think one of the ones that I always tend to go back to is BOLD,” said Pippy. “I have seen it get into the cracks that needed to be filled. And that’s big, because then you really feel like your whole state is getting the help that it needs.”

Pippy is also an original member of AIM’s Leadership Society, the philanthropic foundation of AIM committed to advancing Alzheimer’s policy priorities. “I think the Leadership Society has grown in a very positive way,” she said. Through the Leadership Society, Pippy has helped strengthen relationships with bipartisan congressional champions and amplify the voice of advocates nationwide.

As a member of the AIM Board of Directors, Pippy helps guide the organization’s strategic vision and strengthen its impact on Capitol Hill and in state capitols across the nation. Her leadership ensures that advocates’ voices are heard, shaping policies that improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

Additionally, Pippy has attended the AIM Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C., since 2012. Reflecting back, Pippy treasures the friendships and sense of community she’s experienced through the Advocacy Forum. “It’s like a reunion for me,” Pippy said. “Seeing the people you only get to see once a year, bonding… hearing each other’s stories.” For Pippy, these connections remind her that advocacy brings together all kinds of people from all 50 states, but everyone is working together toward their shared mission.

When asked what keeps her going, Pippy’s answer is simple: “I just want to make a difference.” Her dedication reflects the heart of AIM’s mission — a commitment to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and to fight for a future without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

Join Pippy and thousands of advocates across the country. Become an advocate today. Already an advocate? Learn more about AIM Leadership Society.