Five Questions with Miss USA 2015, Olivia Jordan

Miss USA 2015, Olivia Jordan, will join us at The Kenwood by Senior Star this upcoming Monday, June 20 for our Longest Day festivities. In advance of her visit , which will include a special presentation for residents, she answered five questions for us on the importance of raising awareness for Alzheimer’s research and her time as Miss USA.

  1. Tell us more about your experience lobbying beside the Alzheimer’s Association in Washington D.C.

I was able to lobby twice this year as Miss USA. First, in September during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, a group formerly called OCNA. I was amazed that simply by wearing the Miss USA sash that elected representatives were interested in me and what I had to say. The title was very new to me at the time and I didn’t realize the power it could have, at the very least, to get people’s attention. I was so empowered by the experience that I pushed to go back again with the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause I have known and have worked with more extensively. I felt I could reach out to my contacts from the fall and speak more about the needs of the NIH. My dad (who has been a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association for 20 years) and I traveled together. With our combined knowledge and the intrigue of the Miss USA and father duo, we were able to get many senators to sign on to a bill that would improve healthcare for Alzheimer’s patients and push the needle forward on the need for research funding.

  1. What was the biggest lesson you learned while lobbying?

I had always heard that one person can make a difference, and I believed that. I had seen how President Obama, Mother Theresa, and Oprah had changed the world in my lifetime. What I learned from lobbying, though, is that every voice can make a difference; you don’t have to be the president, a saint or have your own network. Everyone’s voice matters. When you use your voice, you inspire others to do the same, you can create a ripple effect that evokes positive change. I was just one ripple this year, but it’s the combined efforts of a few dedicated people that can truly change the world. Find your passion and speak to it! Be part of creating good in this world.

  1. Why is it important to advocate for Alzheimer’s disease at the community level?

Alzheimer’s disease affects so many people. Beyond the 5.4 million diagnosed, this disease requires caregivers. Many people have to give up their job to become the necessary full-time caregivers. This is detrimental to not only the economy with our aging population but also for the quality of life for patients and their families. We need more support for patients and families. We need to fight for a cure.

  1. Tell us why you think it’s important for someone – millennials in particular – but at any age level, to join the fight against Alzheimer’s and use their voice to support the cause.

Every 66 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is affecting more and more people each day. We have to band together and use our voices to create positive change. We can be the generation that finds a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But we need people talking; we need funds being allocated to that end.

  1. What are you looking forward to most when visiting The Kenwood by Senior Star for The Longest Day?

I am excited to be part of the festivities to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. The Longest Day is a fantastic opportunity to get people talking and thinking about Alzheimer’s. Being at The Kenwood for the Longest Day is a fantastic way to kick off my two-week tour spreading positivity and sharing my experiences of my past year as Miss USA.