Emporia area residents will step up and step out on a walk to raise funds at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk this weekend.
The Alzheimer’s Association — Heart of America Chapter Memory Walk will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Emporia’s Radio Stations, 1420 C of E Drive. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m.
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 4.5 million Americans and costs the United States at least $1 billion a year. According to a press release by Paula Sauder, of Emporia’s Memory Walk, by 2050, the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s could range from 11 to 16 million.
Emporia area residents and residents across the nation are working to change that number and join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The event raises public awareness and funds for individuals with Alzheimer’s, their family members and caregivers who suffer from the
“There are so many people that are supportive,” Sauder said. “People do care. Too often, people feel isolated and this is one time where can say yes, we care about you.”
Sauder said the importance of the Memory Walk is two-fold.
“One is to raise awareness for families so they know they are not alone,” Sauder said. “Secondly, it is to raise funds to help people cope (with Alzheimer’s).”
The Heart of America Chapter collaborates with business and community leaders to make a difference in the community by providing programs and services to more than 50,000 individuals and 200,000 family members and caregivers suffering from the effects of Alzheimer’s.
“Not long ago, Alzheimer’s disease was widely considered a hopeless condition,” Sauder said. “It was largely unknown by doctors, researchers and policy makers. People with the disease and their caregivers had few resources for information and support.”