Alzheimer's program losing funding

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - A program that has been a life line to families like Judy and Mike Starbuck is soon to be wiped away.

The program called EPIC, or "Early Partners in Care," is a federal program that started a year ago to provide services for Alzheimer's patients and their families.

Mike Starbuck was diagnosed about three years ago and his wife Judy uses the program to help her plan for the future.

"As the disease progressed I needed more information," she said. "It was a stressful time."

While Mike's symptoms are not severe at this point, the future is very uncertain for the family and the support Judy got from EPIC she called life saving.

Funding for the program ends in September, and that has local Alzheimer's Association chapters scrambling to find ways to keep the program and its resources going for those in need.

Phil Carll, with the Desert Southwest Chapter, said he hopes that grants and private donations will allow the program to continue.

"It is about quality of life," he said. "Without the program people will be in crisis."

Judy and Mike who have been married for 47 years look to each other for support, knowing that as things progress the need for help is bound to increase.