With almost five million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s, it is safe to say most people have had an encounter with the disease. Personally, I worked in a nursing home for six years, interacting with residents with Alzheimer’s on a daily basis.
It never gets easier to see someone lose their independence to this disease. It never gets easier to reteach someone how to use a fork every day. It never gets easier to watch someone forget their spouse of 60 years. It never gets easier to hold someone’s hand while they cry over not understanding what is going on around them. It never gets easier to walk someone back to their room because they forget where it is.
The Alzheimer’s Association knows these truths, and they are fighting for a cure. Nationally there are 81 chapters of the Association, with Ohio claiming six of those chapters. The Central Ohio chapter serves 14 counties in the area. The Association provides educational programming, care planning, and connections with resources for both the patients and their care givers.
The Central Ohio chapter will host a major fundraiser – Walk to End Alzheimer’s – on September 25th at Huntington Park. The two-mile walk through the Arena District not only raises funds for research, but it also raises awareness of the disease.
“Many people simply do not realize that Alzheimer’s is an epidemic – it is also the most expensive disease in the country,” said Director of Communications Molly Vogel. “We are trying to change that.”
Vince McGrail, Executive Director and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Central Ohio Chapter extends an invitation for all to participate.
“Our Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an opportunity for us to raise awareness about this disease while also reminding those who are affected by it that they are not alone,” said McGrail. “We invite everyone to join us on September 25 and help us take steps toward achieving our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.”
Registration to participate is free, and the website provides assistance and guidance in fundraising for teams.
For more information, visit www.alz.org/centralohio.
