The Alzheimer’s Association hosted its largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, research, and support—the Walk to End Alzheimer’s—on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Richland Carrousel Park.
Development and Communications Coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Associatio, Nick Vargas, explained, “The Alzheimer’s disease is really a growing epidemic that’s affecting so many people.”
Because of this, the Alzheimer’s Association offers several programs and services in the community, including educational programs, “Because we feel that there are still a lot of misconceptions and stigmas attached to the disease,” stated Vargas.
Last year, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s helped raise approximately $37,000. This year, the goal was set at $40,000 and current amount standings are still being determined.
Hundred gathered to show their support. The participants were given flowers to represent their reason for walking.
Sue Moore was given a yellow flower, meaning that she is caring for someone who is diagnosed with the disease. Moore’s mother has been affected by Alzheimer’s for the past two years. Moore wanted to participate in honor of her mother and as part of her team, MedCentral.
Fellow teammate, Karen Kindinger, was given an orange flower, meaning she supports the cause. She noted that she has had friends who have passed away from Alzheimer’s and is currently friends with someone who is affected by it.
Both Kindinger and Moore are employees at MedCentral and started walking in the event last year. Also a part of team MedCentral is Tim Storms.
Together, the three have been able to raise about $2,500. Last year they were the leading team in raising the most funds for the cause.
Ashley Miller was another who participated in the event. She stated that she wanted to take part in the walk in memory of her grandfather who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2012.
She was able to raise about $440; however, she has a check in the mail that she hasn’t yet been able to look at, which could boost her total to her goal of $500.
On her “walk page,” she noted, “My grandpa Miller was funny, hard-working and always one of my biggest fans in life. In the last few years of his life, I watched my grandpa lose his ability to be able to live on his own and take care of himself. I am walking so that others won’t have to know what it is like to lose a loved one twice—first to Alzheimer’s disease and then to actual death. Alzheimer’s disease can affect anyone at any point in life. Please consider donating to help find a cure to eliminate this terrible disease.”
In addition to the 1.25 mile walk through downtown, participants had unlimited rides at the carrousel to their access, a gift basket raffle, refreshments, and information about the Alzheimer’s Association.
If anyone is interested in finding out more information about the disease or donating to the cause, he or she can call 1-800-272-3900, or visit www.alz.org/nwohio.
“I am walking so that others won’t have to know what it is like to lose a loved one twice—first to Alzheimer’s disease and then to actual death,” wrote Ashley Miller on her “walk” page.
