So, is there really a need for SAF? I mean, it's only 500,000 people. In the scheme of things, that's not really THAT big of a number, is it? Here's our take on it:

The following numbers are based on the assumption that only one percent of those 500,000 families will contact us for assistance of some sort.

We feel that a number much greater than one percent will actually require assistance.

If even one percent of families dealing with YOAD request...

• One week of in-home, full-time care (40 hours), SAF would need to raise $2.2 million

• Two visits from a local maid service, SAF would need to raise $1.2 million

• One airline ticket to bring in additional help, SAF would need to raise $2 million

• A weekend of respite for the primary caregiver, SAF would need to raise $1.5 million

• Assistance catching up with past due utility bills, SAF would need to raise $1.75 million

• One mortgage payment, SAF would need to raise $7.5 million

• Six monthly counseling sessions with a professional, SAF would need to raise $3 million

So, is there a need? If those numbers don't help you answer the question, maybe this quote taken from an Alzheimer's message board will help:

“Its 2:30 am and I just got off the phone with the alz assoc. help line.After thirty minutes of discussion she basickly told me she could not help me. My husband is used to me reminding him to do everything (what most poeple call nagging). Things arent getting done now. Important things. I try to get us help and I get things started but cant finish them and he gets sidetracked without me nagging him so then what? He cant take care of me and the kids and pay bills! Something has to give, but what?
I try to get help, and freinds help out for a while until their life gets in the way. I ask for help from alz assoc. and they cant help me. Your family and freinds need to do that hey say.
I cant cook unless Im supervised. I cant drive, I need someone to go with me to dr apts to explain from one dr to the next so they can all stay on the same page but I never have the same person to take me.
My husband is trying to make ends meet and I need t opay for help! Where am I supposed to turn. There is absolutely no one out there for us, the victims of early onset alz.
How do I get help when every time I ask Im told go somewhere else.We need a group to help us!!!!!”

So, is there a need?