Seth Rogen was hoping for a better turnout in Washington.
The actor took to Twitter this week to call out U.S. senators who didn't stick around for his Wednesday testimony on Alzheimer's disease, including Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk, who posed for a photo with the actor but couldn't make the speech.
"@SenatorKirk pleasure meeting you," Rogen wrote. "Why did you leave before my speech? Just curious.”
Kirk responded to him saying he had a meeting with Captain Jim Lovell but watched the testimony after and appreciates his work on Alzheimer's awareness.
Not all the senators were that kind.
Rogen testified Wednesday about Alzheimer's before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on current research and prevention related to the disease. His mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 55, and Rogen made it clear that Alzheimer's shouldn't be viewed as “an old person’s disease.”
"People need more help," Rogen said. "I've personally witnessed the massive amount of financial strain this disease causes."
Rogen and his wife founded Hilarity for Charity to create money and awareness about the disease. The couple has held benefits through the organization since 2012.
Kirk was moved enough to post this photo on Twitter:
Thanks to @Sethrogen for speaking out about efforts to #ENDALZ. RT if you know someone affected by #Alzheimers. pic.twitter.com/KTDIxPaMXU — Mark Kirk (@SenatorKirk) February 26, 2014
Rogen tweeted that only two senators were at the hearing, which he wrote is "very symbolic of how the Government views Alzheimer's. Seems to be a low priority."
All those empty seats are senators who are not prioritizing Alzheimer's. Unless more noise is made, it won't change. pic.twitter.com/xDW6tlMHmH — Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) February 26, 2014
