Walkers rally for Alzheimer’s awareness
Walkers wave stars representing their relationship to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Orange represents caregivers, silver represents those “passionate about the cause,” silver represents those “passionate about saving lives,” and white represents “living with the disease directly.” The walk was held in Clinton on Saturday April 18. (photo:Ben Pounds )
It was the Five County Make Alzheimer’s a Memory Walk, one of many events fundraising for Alzheimer’s Tennessee, including other walks in Knoxville and Alcoa.
eams gathered as the Forget-me-Nots quartet played, and could choose between a long or short walk.
Kay Watson-Helton, the event’s coordinator, said it was the Five County Walk’s 36th year. It included people from Anderson, Roane, Morgan, Scott and Campbell counties.
Participants brought photos of loved ones to add to the tribute wall in Lakefront Park.
Kerri Hicks walked with the Oak Ridge High School Class of 1989 team.
She said her aunt who passed away last year had Alzheimer’s, along with a classmate’s mother who had also passed away.
“We walk in their memory,” she said.
While this was the first year with her current team it was her third year at the walk. Family members joined on the team.
“It’s having the people that we love and know so well coming together for such an amazing cause,” she said.
“I grew up with a grandparent who had Alzheimer’s, and my mother was diagnosed, and we lost her to Alzheimer’s about five years ago,” said Linda Spangler, planning committee member for the 5 County Walk and captain of the Secret City Hikers.
“I feel this is a wonderful cause to get behind and do what you can to earn funds for a cure,” she said. “It affects so many families.”
All proceeds from the walk benefit Alzheimer’s Tennessee and support local families.
The mission of Alzheimer’s Tennessee is to serve those facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; promote brain health through education; and research, prevention, and treatment efforts.
The organization coordinates support groups and resource referrals, educates family and professional caregivers, and offers financial assistance.
“We are working every day to make Alzheimer’s a memory,” Watson-Helton said, adding that they help individuals live with Alzheimer’s and dementia while working towards better treatments and a cure.
“When you see how many people are affected, you realize this is something you want to support in whatever way you can,” said Spangler.
Taz Painter with the Y-12 Memory Keepers team said he’s been involved for several years, and that Consolidated Nuclear Security, which runs Y-12, had become a presenting sponsor.
He said he appreciated the enthusiasm and excitement at the event among people who had been touched by Alzheimer’s and dementia being brought together to find ways to help each other and get closer to a cure.
“This is something that affects everybody,” he said.
