Walk for Memories 2010
Posted in Life and tagged with Alzheimer's, family, fundraiser, memories, research, support, walk, Walk for Memories on 02/01/2010 01:50 pm by MikaYesterday’s Walk for Memories to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research and caregiver support was a blast. I’m amazed that the several thousand people who showed up didn’t merit any news coverage (as far as I can tell); one of my Rambling Relatives was shocked the video crews didn’t collect snippets of people explaining who they were walking for.
Alzheimer’s steals memories, a nasty disease hard on both the individual and the people who care for them. While he could still communicate, my grandpa Frank stayed charming, telling us how delighted he was to meet us, and that he was sure he’d be just as delighted to meet us again later. When I tried to waltz with him, he was actively uncomfortable, not quite sure who I was or who granny was, but quite certain he shouldn’t be dancing with another woman. My granny Helen was equally polite, her curiosity possibly enhanced by not remembering she’d already asked only a few minutes earlier. I walked for them and their memories, but also, selfishly for myself and my family I walked to raise funds to support caregivers, for group meetings where they can lean on each other, and hear that it’s okay to sometimes be frustrated or sad, for workers give them a day off without guilt. I walked to raise funds for research, with the hope that something can be found before my parents, aunts, and uncles grow older, and before my cousins, siblings, or self find ourselves eye-to-eye with the nasty beast.
News statistics say over 70,000 people in my province are impacted by Alzheimer’s, and that the numbers are expected to multiply dramatically over the coming years. I’m glad the Walk for Memories is our newest family tradition.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:35 pm
How wonderful that you walked, did something, really did something in an effort of bring attention to this dreadful disease. My husband of 60 years is a victim and has been suffering for the past six years. I worry for my children and their children. Dr. Ox (USA)and talk show host believes AD will triple over the next ??? years. Everyone one I know seems to have someone afflicted. Why aren’t more concerned because it could happen to them, their loved one, their children. More fund raisers, more walks, more research need to be done NOW! And more publicity. Sorry your event was not noticed as it should have been. How can we bring more attention to this growing epidemic??