Since my wife Denise was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2012, I have known the devastation of the disease. Virtually everyday this disease robs so much from both the diagnosed individual and their loved ones.

But through my work with the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) and the Alzheimer's Association I have also known the reward of being part of the Alzheimer's community. The moments when we have an impact bring me a sense of empowerment.

As an advocate and Alzheimer's Ambassador to former Congressman Price (R-Ga.) I have seen first-hand the power of action. Over the past four years I have actively advocated on behalf of Denise and the Alzheimer's community. Participating in meetings with Rep. Price and his staff both in Georgia and in Washington, D.C. allowed me to share my Alzheimer's story, providing the Congressman and his staff an inside look at the challenges Denise and I face every day. Working to make sure Rep. Price understood the impact this disease has not just on his constituents in Georgia but across the country, I implored him to support much-needed increases in research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

And that hard work paid off. Earlier this month I celebrated with my fellow advocates the historic $400 million increase in Alzheimer's research funding at the NIH. It was the culmination of a lot of hard work. This marked the second year in a row that Congress approved a historic funding increase, and today Alzheimer's research funding at the NIH is $1.39 billion. I am grateful to Congress for coming together in a bipartisan way to support Alzheimer's research. Still, more work remains.

Alzheimer's is the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. That's why I continue to advocate for Denise and millions of patients and caregivers. I hope you'll join me in thanking Congress for this most recent action and urge them to remain our partners in the fight to end Alzheimer's.