This is not about his numerous Grammy and Academy of Country Music awards, his 70 released albums or his 50 million in record sales.
Country legend Glen Campbell, diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease two years ago, has made the conscious decision to live out his life doing what he does best and what he enjoys most. In the process, Glen Campbell, his wife Kim and their grown children have put an iconic face to Alzheimer's disease.
Others before him could have done the same, but chose not to. And I can't help but wonder how much more time and resources would have been spent on research for drugs and an end to the disease that steals minds and memories if American greats the likes of Ronald Reagan and Charlton Heston had done the same. Certainly we would be at least 20-years ahead of where we are today in the discovery of new drugs. But, after being diagnosed, former President Reagan and Mr. Heston chose to live the remainder of their lives basically in solitude. They had the opportunity to help countless others by becoming a voice for those with the disease and for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. But, instead of putting a face on a disease that most likely will affect every family in the United States by the year 2030 (only 17 short years away), Ronald Reagan and Charlton Heston chose only to write letters to the American public that held each of them in high esteem.
I had the honor and privilege last night (March 12, 2013) to attend "Untitled: Glen Campbell Documentary" at the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach. It was the "unveiling" of a new feature/documentary film to be released - hopefully - by the end of the year. The event was a fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), at which segments of the unedited film were viewed by an audience of about 900.
James Keach (Walk the Line and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman) and Trevor Albert (Caddyshack and Groundhog Day) are behind the film that will raise awareness and funds for ADDF and its continued efforts in the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease.
"This is not a movie about Alzheimer's - rather it's a movie about an extraordinary man who's been diagnosed with it and has taught us to live in the moment as a result," said Mr. Keach.
The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation is led by co-chair Leonard A. Lauder of the Estee Lauder Co. In fact, it is the Estee Lauder Co. that pays the overhead associated with running the foundation that has invested more than $60 million to fund 400 drug research programs in 18 countries. Therefore, 100-percent of every dollar donated goes directly to Alzheimer's drug research and discovery.
After the film, Victoria Ghost, a country/roots band comprised of two of Glen and Kim's children Ashley and Shannon and Kiefo Nilsson, took to the stage and played several songs before Glen, who had been obviously chomping at the bit to get on stage, joined them. He, on guitar, and Ashley, on banjo, played "Dueling Banjos" as the audience stood and cheered them on.
Glen Campbell is an inspiration. His diagnosis has not wavered his passion for music and performing, and his family perseveres through it all. Finally, there is someone willing to put a face to this awful disease.
I applaud Glen Campbell and his family for this bold move. Others before him should have done the same.
