“I’ll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween.”
- Charles Swartz

These numbers blow my mind. Every 70 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s. By mid-century that number will be every 33 seconds. Can you only imagine the impact on our healthcare system not to mention families and caregivers?

Since my dad’s diagnosis, my primary goal has been (and continues) to learn as much about this disease as possible by taking advantage of the classes and resources provided by the NYC chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. This chapter is such an incredible organization and their quality continued to show with a superior opening ceremony not to mention their weather committee did one fabulous job too, as it was a crisp, sunny fall morning in Riverside Park. I felt fortunate to be involved in this two mile walk.

My biggest takeaway was increasing AWARENESS. We’ve brought awareness to breast cancer and HIV and the numbers are the proof. We now need to do the same with Alzheimer’s. I’ll use this opportunity to ask you to write your senator to move the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) through and pass the bill when Senate reconvenes after the elections. We need a plan and NOW! I’m doing my part, and here’s a thank you in advance for doing yours.

Be at the United Nations at 12:30, dress for business and bring your camera!

What began as a slow motion morning of a shower and popping ibuprofen turned into high gear in the matter of seconds. A friend of mine called with an opportunity that just couldn’t be passed up even though my day started with a pounding headache. No time to research what I just said yes to, GO!

Shit, dress for business? Now keep in mind that 99.999% of what’s in my closet is NOT business. It’s either jeans, t’s or cycling clothes as I’d intentionally given all that up years ago after corporate. But once half the clothes were tossed out of my closet, then black boots, black tights, and a black/grey dress appeared, all by the way purchased at my local flee market. Added an Italian leather jacket and a gorgeous laotian red silk scarf and I was ready. Camera over my shoulder, I’m off to the United Nations. Oh, with headache. (btw, what does it mean when a hispanic guy calls out “MOMMY” when you’re walking down the sidewalk? That was a new one on me. Mommy?)

Who knew I’d end up at the UN at the awards ceremony to attend the launch of the 2010 United Nations Week of Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns. AND meeting AND photographing the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iraq (H.E. Dr. T. Hamid Al-Bayati) to the United Nations along with many other interesting people.

In Ambassador Al-Bayati’s introduction, I learned that he had been put in jail, tortured and coerced to flee Iraq when Saddam’s regime tried to execute him along with five other people from his family. His brother was kidnapped and assassinated. Heavy stuff.

H.E. Dr. T. Hamid Al-Bayati – Sharon Hamilton-Getz – Tsu-Wei Zoe Chang

After sharing some wine with my friend to celebrate a fun and oh so interesting afternoon, guess what had gone away? Thanks Pippa!