In just over a week the warrior caregivers of Share the Care will once again make our way to Tallahassee.

While there, we will have the opportunity to enlighten policy makers about the needs of family caregivers and why it is a good investment to support them by funding services. It is a long day, starts at 5:00 am when the bus leaves the STC offices and ends around 10:00 pm. We wear matching T-shirts and roam the halls of the Florida House and Senate and we advocate for families throughout Florida. Believe me, it is a worthy endeavor.

We know it is worthy because lawmakers remember us from year to year. They remember the stories of love and care shared by our amazing caregivers. They realize that this is not just our story but the story of their own families as well. And they also remember that respite for families is the best "deal" when it comes to long term care services. A small bit of support for families allows the government to save the much larger investment for Institutional care.

This is our message. If you can join us in Tallahassee, I can promise you will feel that it was a day well spent. If you cannot make it, please consider writing to your state representatives and ask that they support increases in Alzheimers Disease Initiative (ADI) Respite funding. Increased resources will allow Share the Care to provide even more support to you brave family caregivers. This support will ultimately allow you to achieve your mission, to provide the care your loved one needs in the most desirable place possible for as long as possible!