A Deer Park resident recently went to Washington D.C. to try and help caregivers who take care of loved ones who have Alzheimer's disease.

Jeff Ray's wife Bonnie was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in 2020 at just 57. The retired FDNY firefighter was featured on News 12 for painting the words "Alzheimer's Lives Matter" on his roof to bring awareness to the disease.

When Ray and his son made the decision to put Bonnie in a facility, they were told she was too far along and they would not accept her.

That is why he joined The American Association of Retired Person for a two-day event at the nation's capital to bring awareness about Alzheimer's disease and help pass legislation to help caregivers who are struggling.

Ray says if his wife was in a care facility, the average basic fees for that care would amount to nearly $7,000 a month for someone Bonnie's age.