Nearly all of us are touched by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in some way. The Alzheimer’s Association refers to the disease as an epidemic, with more than 5 million Americans currently living with the disease.
By 2050, that number is expected to soar to 16 million. Almost two thirds of those living with dementia are women. It is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S., and the only one among the top ten that cannot be prevented, cured, or slowed. In addition, more than 15.9 million people serve as paid or unpaid caregivers. Maybe one of them is you. (https://www.alz.org/facts/).
United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) is doing its part to make a difference for those with dementia. UMRC staff, residents, families, and friends are taking to the streets again this year to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s events across Michigan this fall.
This event originated in 1989 with just nine Alzheimer’s Association chapters. Today, these walks are held annually in over 600 cities and towns nationwide (https://act.alz.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_about).
Teams are forming at UMRC locations including, Chelsea Retirement Community, Huron Valley PACE in Ypsilanti, Thome PACE in Jackson, and Senior CommUnity Care of Michigan (SCCM) PACE in Lansing. A variety of fundraising activities are also being planned – everything from a dunk tank and bake sale at CRC’s Glazier Commons assisted living to a comedy improv night planned by SCCM PACE in Lansing.
“Huron Valley PACE participates in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to stand in solidarity with our participants and caregivers who live with Alzheimer’s every day,” says Gretchen Sanewsky, Director of Community Outreach and Enrollment for Huron Valley PACE. “We walk in solidarity with the staff of other agencies that also care for those with Alzheimer’s, to have a positive impact toward a cure.”
Kathy Mrozinski, Marketing Manager at SCCM PACE, agrees: “Our organizations have the chance to give back to the community that supports us… By raising money and awareness, we are helping bring a cure to a disease that is affecting so many that we care for.”
You can help, too! Join UMRC or support our walkers at one of these upcoming events:
Jackson, MI: Friday, September 15, Walk at 7:00pm at Horace Blackman Park
Lansing, MI: Sunday, September 24, Walk at 1:00pm at the State Capitol
Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, MI: Sunday, October 8, Walk at 12:00pm at Washtenaw Community College, Main Campus – Community Park
To find the nearest Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in your area, Click Here.