An Ode To Glen Campell

Music legend, Glen Campell’s recent passing, reminds us of the critical need to keep forging ahead with our research into finding a cure for the deadly disease known as Alzheimer’s.

Glen fought a long, brave and public battle against the dreaded disease beginning in 2009.

He was a musical genius almost without parallel and was a wonderful human being.

Campbell first announced his dementia diagnosis in 2011 as he prepared to tour in support of a new album. The tour saw 151 dates over two and a half years. Afterward, Campbell and his family continued to advocate on behalf of the cause. He reportedly moved to a memory care community in 2014 as his disease progressed.

A statement on Campbell’s website said he is survived by his wife, Kim; eight children; 10 grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease and chair of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, said in a statement that she and others will remember Campbell for his advocacy efforts.

“I had the joy of meeting Glen at a hearing I chaired four years ago,” she said. “While Glen did bring his guitar with him to Capitol Hill, his primary purpose was not to perform. Instead, he and his family stepped into the spotlight to speak out on behalf of the growing number of Americans who are suffering from Alzheimer’s. We will honor his legacy by continuing to support investments in biomedical research to find an effective means of prevention, treatment, or a cure for this devastating disease.”

Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, also remembered Campbell for his work on behalf of those with the disease.

“Glen and his family helped to bring Alzheimer’s out of the shadows and into the spotlight with openness and honesty that has rallied people to take action on behalf of the cause,” he said in a statement. “In this spirit, we will continue to work aggressively to pursue greater awareness, provide support to families and accelerate research to slow, stop and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s disease.”

In summation, if you never had the privilege of listening to Glen’s music, the You Tube video below will give you an appreciation for this man and his music.

RIP – Glen Campell