Walk to End Alzheimer’s draws 1,500 walkers
More than 1,500 individuals from across Central New York joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease at Onondaga Community College. Participants raised $215,700 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.
“The community’s support for our cause inspires us to never give up in our fight to end this devastating disease,” said Catherine James, chief executive officer for the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter. “Today’s event was a testament to their steadfast support and the hard work of our volunteer planning committee.”
The top individual fundraiser at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s was Casey Baker of Skaneateles.
Baker, whose mother Rita died from Alzheimer’s in November 2018, raised $4,515. Loretto, the Syracuse-based healthcare corporation, was the leading fundraising team at $11,482. Loretto was the local presenting sponsor for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s–Syracuse.
In addition to the walk on the college’s campus, participants were able to learn about Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, clinical trial and advocacy opportunities and engaged with corporate sponsors.
They also took part in a ceremony where they renewed their commitment to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and heard from guest speaker Laurette Samson. The 75-year-old Samson, who is living with Alzheimer’s, spoke about having to move in with one of her children when it became too difficult to live alone.
“I get frustrated that I can’t remember things that have happened,” Samson said. “Even when people try to remind me or give me clues, sometimes it just doesn’t come back to me. Through my experience living with Alzheimer’s disease, I have found different ways to cope. I am even currently participating in a clinical trial for research on Alzheimer’s disease.”
She continued: “I want others to know that when I say I can’t remember, I need support and compassion. Being patient with someone with Alzheimer’s disease is very important. My hope is that researchers will find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease in the near future.”
In New York State alone, there are 400,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than one million unpaid caregivers. In the United States, 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 16 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Donations to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® may be made through Oct. 31 at alz.org/walk. Edward Jones is the national presenting sponsor for Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
