Letters to the Editor (Aug. 14): Alzheimer’s, schools, Larry Hatteberg

Alzheimer’s toll in Kansas

Kansas is home to 51,000 of the 5 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Those numbers, however, continue to grow every day.

Not only is Alzheimer’s the most expensive disease in the nation, costing a staggering $259 billion a year, but it is also a national health crisis. Left isolated, Alzheimer’s will leave our medical system in shambles.

At present, there is no cures or treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, allowing the disease to devastate more people each and every day. In order to put an end to the suffering caused by Alzheimer’s disease, support on research funding is vital.

Recently, the house committee proposed a $400 million increase to fund Alzheimer’s disease research. While every dollar is crucial, a .002 percent increase of what the disease costs every year is not enough.

Urge Rep. Estes and Sen. Roberts to support increased research funding for Alzheimer’s. I would also like to thank Sen. Moran for his ongoing support. While historic increases have been made to fund Alzheimer’s research in the last two years, more must be done.

Hidden costs in schools

Dave Trabert, in his Aug. 10 column, missed the mark. Recently, a Wichita middle school teacher told me he often buys school supplies for his students. He also brings T-shirts for kids who wear ill-fitting clothing.

Whether parents can’t afford school supplies and clothes for their children or whether students come from families too dysfunctional to take care of their children, Trabert misses the point about the cost of public school education.

School boards, administrators, and teachers must deal with what is in front of them when each child walks into the classroom. True, parents are responsible for making sure kids get a good education. However, even with parental involvement, some children have a difficult time in school. Overcrowded classrooms and lack of supplies add to their difficulties.

School districts have a duty to prepare students for an ever-changing future. We no longer inhabit a chalkboard world. Students must be prepared to succeed in a different world. That sort of education is costly.

Get well, Larry Hatteberg

I hear that Larry Hatteberg recently had extensive open heart surgery. I was glad to hear that he is recovering well.

As one of his “Hatteberg’s People,” I have a special place in my heart for Larry. He got to know us and some of our quirks to do his story, and I got to know a little sliver of him as well.

I know he is a very private person, so this get-well wish is for all to see. I can truthfully say that our world could do with more people like him. He is an honest, respectful, respected individual with a calm countenance. Meeting him for the first time was like seeing an old friend after a long absence. We wish him well.

This story was originally published August 14, 2017 at 4:46 AM with the headline "Letters to the Editor (Aug. 14): Alzheimer’s, schools, Larry Hatteberg."