While a cure for Alzheimer’s and Dementia has still yet to be found, the hope for a cure remains as strong as ever as demonstrated by local residents, caregivers and Alzheimer’s patients this weekend.
The Lyon County Fairgrounds once again played host to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Saturday morning which included the walk itself as well as the Promise Garden Ceremony, a sharing of stories and a time of reflection for all in attendance. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s which includes better than 50,000 Kansans. Current projections from the Alzheimer’s Association says that by 2050 that number could rise to nearly 13 million.
With those statistics in mind, Alzheimer’s Association Spokesperson Morgan Miller emphasized the importance of events such as the annual walk.
Delaine Berry who has had a long history of Alzheimer’s within her family was assisting with the event Saturday and spoke to KVOE News saying the walk is not only important in terms of fundraising it can also be the light in the darkness many need to keep pushing forward.
Walk Chair Robin Sage says over the years the level of awareness and support for the walk and the Alzheimer’s Association has continuously grown not only amongst local residents but also local businesses and organizations.
All funds raised by the event will go to support the work of the Alzheimer’s Association including research into a cure. According to Miller, fundraising was just over $12,00 at of the start of the walk with a goal of $24,000. Final totals are pending.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
