Alzheimer's Memory Walk

I am asking my friends to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association. I have registered to take part in the annual Memory Walk on June 7, 2008. You can join my efforts by making a donation toward my walk at the website listed below.

Many of us think of an old person with a poor memory when we think of Alzheimer’s disease. But the disease is much more than forgetting where you left your keys or not knowing what year it is. It is a degenerative and fatal brain disease. Five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. It destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to require fulltime care. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time until its victim’s death. Today it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States. Typically it attacks people over 65, but early onset Alzheimer’s can show signs in persons in their 30’s. In addition to the Alzheimer’s victim, the caregiver is in for a rough ride.

Baby-boomers are reaching their 60’s now and can expect one in eight to start showing signs of Alzheimer’s. For perspective, look down your pew next Sunday and do the math. You can bring it closer to home by looking around the room at your next holiday family get together. If you don’t become a victim, you’ll likely be affected by someone who is.

The future would look bleak if not for the efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Their funds contribute to research for a cure and provide emotional and educational support for families until the cure is found.

But wait – there’s more! Alzheimer’s research and support is often referred to ADRD, or Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia. My family is not currently affected by Alzheimer’s, but those who know us are familiar with what the Related Dementia has done to our family. Consequently, the local Alzheimer’s chapter has been a source of information, financial resources, and support for the past 13 years.

Please follow this inordinately long link to my registration page and make your online donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=265036&lis=1&kntae265036=CB2A3DF5263645D18246043E7905E220&supId=211109766

Thank you very much.