Several years ago, my family faced a challenge that countless others know all too well: caring for a beloved family member diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. My grandmother’s (my Nana’s) mental and physical health declined rapidly after the death of her husband, my “Pop Pop.” My grandfather had worked his entire life to provide for his family and did so successfully. Yet when my grandmother reached the point where she could no longer care for herself, we discovered that all of that hard work did not translate into access to the care she needed.

They did not have enough financial resources to afford private sitters, but they earned too much to qualify for Medicaid benefits. Caught in that all-too-common middle ground, my mother stepped in as her primary caregiver. My mom had taught anatomy and physiology for her entire adult life and was just one year away from reaching maximum state retirement. She ultimately retired a year early to care for my grandmother.

Each day brought new uncertainties and emotional demands, as we struggled to balance caregiving with the realities of work and family life. The physical, emotional, and financial toll was immense. Yet, it was through this hardship that I recognized a profound gap in our health care system, one that left families like mine searching for relief and support.

That realization sparked an idea: what if our state offered structured respite care for families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease who fall into that middle ground? Fueled by personal experience and guided by professional responsibility, I brought this idea to the Mississippi State Medical Association House of Delegates. I authored a resolution calling for the creation of an Alzheimer’s respite program, and through our shared commitment to improving patients’ lives, the resolution passed unanimously.

But advocacy does not end at the House of Delegates. With the resolution adopted, we worked closely with lawmakers, identifying passionate legislative champions and providing testimony and evidence to underscore the urgent need for respite services. These collective efforts led to the successful passage of legislation establishing Mississippi’s first Alzheimer’s respite program.

This victory was not just legislative; it was deeply personal, representing hope and relief for families walking the same difficult path my family had traveled.

Since its inception, the Alzheimer’s respite program has provided critical support to 40 families across our state. These families have found moments of rest, renewal, and assurance that they are not alone in their journey. The ripple effects of this program extend far beyond numbers. It is a testament to what happens when lived experience informs policy, and when physicians advocate with both expertise and empathy.

Yet, our work is not finished. As demand for these vital services grows, the state medical association is actively advocating for increased funding to expand the Alzheimer’s respite program. We are engaging policymakers, sharing patient stories, and mobilizing our members to ensure that every family in need can access support. Continued advocacy is essential to sustain and strengthen this program for the future.

This journey from personal hardship to legislative success reinforces a fundamental truth: physician advocacy matters. Our experiences, expertise, and compassion equip us to drive change that improves lives. I call upon each of you, whether you are a physician, policymaker, or member of the public, to support and champion physician advocacy. Together, we can create a health care system that responds to the real needs of our communities and turns adversity into action and hope.

Katherine Pannel
MSMA President