September 22, 1999
One step at a time
Area residents participate in Memory Walk fundraiser
By Garret Leiva
Herald editor
Some walked in memory of family members or friends, others laced up their sneakers to fight against a disease that strikes one in four people in northern Michigan. What ever the reason, hundreds of area residents took part in the 10th annual Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk.
The three mile walk held Saturday morning at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center served as a fund-raising event for the Alzheimer's Association of Northwest Michigan. Equally important, the Memory Walk provides public awareness of the cost of this disease both financially and emotionally.
"We work very hard to bring the awareness of Alzheimer's disease out in the open and get rid of the stigmas," said Chris Weaner, executive director of Alzheimer's Association Northwest Chapter.
"Even if you don't personally know someone with Alzheimer's disease ... we need to look out for ourselves as far as research and you can do that by walking for yourself."
Funds raised from the 1999 Memory Walk benefit families in Grand Traverse and surrounding northwest Michigan counties through free services, access to resources, comprehensive educational programs and public research. This year's fund-raising goal was $50,000 tallied from five regional Memory Walks. The Traverse City walk was expected to contribute upwards of $30,000.
Weaner noted that the Northwest Michigan Chapter does not receive state or federal funding but relies on special events such as Memory Walk.
This year marks the Northwest Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association 10th anniversary. The chapter has made impressive strides since its founding in 1988, building from one support group to 14. The chapter has sponsored numerous educational forums and developed an extensive resource library focusing on this degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior.
According to chapter statistics, an average of 40 people call the Helpline and referral number and nearly 25 people visit the chapter office weekly for information, training and education.
"The Alzheimer's Association is only second to the federal government in providing funds for research. It makes me feel optimistic about the future, but we still need to help the 5,000 people in northern Michigan now affected by this disease," Weaner said.
Like many walkers, Marge Scott knows all too well the here and now effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Walking with a team from Orchard Creek Assisted Living facility, Scott has seen first hand the frustration families face fighting this disease. She has also experienced Alzheimer's on a personal level - dedicating her walk Saturday in memory of a cousin.
"I've seen families come in and they're desperately wondering what they should do and where they should go," noted Scott. "Well the help is here in Traverse City thanks to some terrific people and hopefully one day we will find a cure for this disease."