Each month, we feature an advocate who engages with policymakers to ensure priorities that improve the lives of people impacted by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia remain top-of-mind in Congress. This month, we’re featuring each of the advocates who received special recognition during the 2025 AIM Advocacy Forum. 

Advocate of the Year: Bertha Bullen

For more than 15 years, 2025 Advocate of the Year Bertha Bullen of Michigan has been volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association and AIM. But her Alzheimer’s journey started over 40 years ago with her mother-in-law’s diagnosis and continued through the loss of the only grandmother she ever knew.

“My mother was grandma’s caregiver, only to succumb to Alzheimer’s herself shortly after grandma died,” said Bertha. “When my mother no longer recognized her family, robbing her of the one thing she loved most, I knew I had to do something. I just didn’t know what that something was until I found the Alzheimer’s Association. That is when I began to fight and to heal.”

Throughout the years, Bertha’s dedication to the cause has not wavered. Three years ago, Bertha’s brother died with dementia. And last summer, her sister was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). For Bertha, the fight against this devastating disease is personal.

Through her hard work and dedication, Bertha has developed strong relationships not only with federal lawmakers such as Sens. Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, but also with state lawmakers. Her advocacy with Michigan State Senator Curtis Hertel several years ago resulted in him introducing legislation to fund Michigan’s Dementia Unit.

In her years of advocacy, Bertha has also helped to recruit, train and mentor new advocates. She attends the Michigan State Advocacy Day every year and arrives early to help prepare materials and set up for the event. 

Beyond her volunteerism as an advocate, she has been involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer's for years, serving as a Committee Member, Team Captain and Advocacy Chair.

“Singly, our stories are mere whispers in the wind,” said Bertha. “But together, those whispers become the roar of a purple hurricane.” 

ACT Team: PA-16

Each year, the Alzheimer’s Congressional Team of the Year is awarded to a team who exemplifies what it means to be Alzheimer’s advocates. This year the team from Pennsylvania’s sixteenth congressional district was recognized, with members including: Melanie Cole, Victoria Bayle, Kyle Strayer, Julie McCormick and Alice Cole. 

All six team members have worked hard to develop a strong relationship with Congressman Mike Kelly and his staff. Through this strengthened relationship, the team has secured his support on key AIM priorities that are making a difference for people impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.  

“I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021 after over a year of testing,” said ACT Team member Victoria Bayle. “I am about five years into this disease, but I have hope. Because of advocates like us, funding, research, and treatment advancements are making it possible so that I might not only experience my three children getting married, but I will likely get to know my future grandchildren.”

In early 2024, the team met with Congressman Kelly. After hearing from Victoria and seeing the passion of a fellow business owner in Kyle, Congressman Kelly was moved to act and immediately agreed to cosponsor the NAPA Reauthorization Act. Additionally, following last year’s AIM Advocacy Forum meeting, Congressman Kelly cosponsored the BOLD Reauthorization Act. 

Early in 2025, Congressman Kelly became one of the first cosponsors of the Credit for Caring Act. From test message check-ins to thank you drop-offs, the team has worked hard to forge a strong relationship with Congressman Kelly and his staff. Through their outstanding advocacy efforts, PA-16 ACT Team members are advancing the cause.

“The Association has given me a platform,” said Victoria. “I speak often and share publicly about my diagnosis, but not about despair. Mine is a story of positivity — of joy. Despite knowing what will happen with my disease progression, I choose to see the beauty of everyday life.”

Young Advocate of the Year: Jules Lemonds

As the 2025 Emerging Advocate of the Year, Jules Lemonds of South Carolina has gone above and beyond to deliver excellent engagement and achievements early in her advocacy career. 

“My journey into advocacy began at 17, inspired by the memory of my beloved Mimi, who bravely battled Alzheimer’s disease,” said Jules. “I will never forget the moment when the woman who helped raise me, who lived just across the street, who celebrated every milestone of my life with me — looked at me and asked, ‘What’s your name?’ That moment changed me forever.”

Last year and this year, Jules has played a crucial role supporting the chapter and participating in the South Carolina State Advocacy Day. She met with her state elected officials to grow support for Alzheimer’s priorities in South Carolina. 

In 2025, she created a video titled “Day at the South Carolina State House Advocacy Day” to emphasize the importance of advocacy, which was used to help recruit other advocates to advance the mission. Additionally, Jules participated in South Carolina’s “Advocacy Starts with You” campaign, using social media to highlight her advocacy efforts and encourage others to join the cause. 

In addition to advocacy, Jules has embraced the full mission of the Alzheimer’s Association by serving on the Walk Committee and volunteering at Association community events. She dedicates several hours each week to support advocacy and other activities at the South Carolina chapter. 

To honor her grandmother who passed away from Alzheimer’s, Jules also visits schools to help educate children about the disease. 

“I am especially grateful to the Alzheimer’s Association for giving me opportunities to serve,” said Jules. “Thank you for taking a chance on a 17-year-old girl with a passion, and for empowering me to make a difference in a cause so close to my heart.”