Walk to End Alzheimer’s Jacksonville raises $275,000
More than 800 people gathered on Dec. 4 at the University of North Florida for Walk to End Alzheimer’s Jacksonville, presented by Baptist Health. They raised $275,000 to fund care and support programs from the Alzheimer’s Association and research for treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.
“My mother largely cared for my father who had Alzheimer’s by herself for the better part of seven years at a great cost to her own health and well-being,” said Earl Evens, 2021 Walk chair and executive director of the AgeWell Center at Baptist Health System, who walked for his father. “Her story, though dramatic, is not that unusual. No doubt many people are caring for an older parent or relative too and their burdens remain hidden from our view. We must find a way to defeat this disease and turn the tide of the growing epidemic.”
Corrie Labyak, University of North Florida associate professor of nutrition and dietetics, walked for her mother who recently passed from Alzheimer’s.
“I know what these families are going through. The pain of watching your loved one go through this is sometimes unbearable,” said Labyak. “When my mother was diagnosed, she tried to read everything she possibly could to help herself but unfortunately, with no cure and extremely limited clinical trials, there was nothing. I walk so that more money will be put towards research and education.”
Avondale resident Kate Riggs, who has worked in skilled nursing housing for 30 years, walks for all those she has loved and lost to Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
“I walk because none of them, none of their struggles, should be forgotten,” said Riggs. “I walk because the saddest thing in the world is to be forgotten by someone you love because this disease has robbed them of their memories. Supporting the Alzheimer’s Association will put an end to that one day soon.”
“Having seen firsthand the devastation this disease caused with my grandmother and the stress it causes family and caregivers, I want to do anything I can to help,” said Gabe Coleman, who, at 15 years old, has worked in his school to raise funds and with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority to turn the Acosta Bridge purple in honor of Alzheimer’s.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, for which there is no cure – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Florida alone, there are more than 580,000 people living with the disease, approximately 1 in 37 Floridians, and 527,000 caregivers.
Because of events like this, over the last year the Alzheimer’s Association in Florida has funded 26 active research projects totaling $7 million, served more than 16,000 Floridians through education and support programs, and engaged in 8,000 care consultations through the 24/7 Helpline.
Volunteers still need help raising funds for Walk to End Alzheimer’s Jacksonville and are accepting donations through December 31. To donate, visit Alz.org/Walk.
By Karen Rieley
Resident Community News
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