Spectrum 2008 - Oct 21st

16th Annual Memory Walk at State Capitol Benefits Alzheimer's Association
October 21, 2008

Braving the threat of rain, over 2,000 registered walkers arrived at the State Capitol on Saturday, October 4th, for the 16th annual Memory Walk in Sacramento to show their support and to turn in donations raised for Alzheimer's research and community support services. Attendees and walkers ranged from patients, doctors, family and friends of those affected by the disease, caregivers and community outreach leaders.

Nationally sponsored by Genworth Financial, the Memory Walk is the main fund raising vehicle for the Alzheimer's Association, which relies on donations to provide a wide range of services for those affected by the disease.

From support groups and literature to teaching seminars and caregiver training, the Association gives 24-hour help to families with few other places to turn. Decreased federal funding and the state budget crises have put into question future funding even though the need for services is now greater than ever.

Alzheimer's is a neurological disease without a known cause. Every 71 seconds someone develops Alzheimer's. It's estimated that 10 million baby boomers will develop the disease in their lifetime. Little is known about Alzheimer's even though it's the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Community awareness is lacking. Half a million Americans under the age of 65 have Alzheimer's or a related dementia, and at this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression of the disease.

The Alzheimer's Association is a wealth of information on care provider services, respite care, medical and legal rights, and drug trials and therapies. As patients reach the later stages of the disease, it is imperative that their wishes are respected and that they have advocates in the community to speak on their behalf. The Memory Walk highlights not only this debilitating disease, but also the services available to fight against it.

The event kicked off at 8 a.m. with a breakfast hosted by Genworth Financial and Oakdale Heights for walkers with donations totaling over $500. Registration continued throughout the morning as supporters visited vendor booths, fueled up with breakfast in the cafe and posed for team pictures.

A special Children's Corner hosted a variety of games for young people and a special project to honor those living with the disease. Participants dipped their hands in paint and left their print on the banner, which was inscribed with the message "Touched by Alzheimer's."

Nick Toma from Good Day Sacramento and Adrienne Bankert from KCRA 3 hosted the live program highlighting the services provided by the Alzheimer's Association and introducing special guests.

Banners, balloons, team shirts and signs were displayed with pride as walkers too the path toward a future without Alzheimer's disease. Residents of local assisted living facilities also participated in the 3-mile jaunt around the Capitol building. The throng of walkers soon thinned out as everyone set their own pace. And at the end, groups crossed the finish line together, many with elbows linked or arms raised in victory.

And the event was victorious, raising $255,000 and still counting.