Local residents, patients and caregivers were all walking toward a better future at the Lyon County Fairgrounds Saturday morning.
The Fairgrounds hosted the 2022 Emporia Walk to End Alzheimer’s. In addition to honoring the battles and memories of those affected by the disease, the annual walk also pays tribute to the millions of unpaid caregivers, often family members, who stand by and care for those living with the disease.
Joan Cabell of the Alzheimer’s Association says the annual walk is the association’s greatest fundraiser that goes a long way in supporting a number of critical areas.
In addition to the walk itself, Saturday also included the annual promise garden ceremony where residents held flowers symbolizing their own personal experiences with Alzheimer’s disease. As is tradition, there was a single white flower symbolizing hope that one day there will be a survivor of Alzheimer’s disease and a cure.
Ashley Mcllvain of Sunflower Care Homes says hope is the one thing that keeps their staff and patients moving forward.
Caregiver Shawn Myric, Mcllvain’s father, says caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is no easy task. However; he tells KVOE News advancements in technology have made finding resources and support much easier in recent years.
Fundraising totals are pending. For more information on Alzheimer’s and how you can get involved in the fight for a cure visit act.ALZ.org.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE NewsÂ
