More than 53,000 Mississippians have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, with 5.3 million nationwide.Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder that causes its victims to lose their memory, become disoriented and suffer personality changes. There is no known cure.
In an effort to increase awareness about the disease and to raise funds to fight for a cure, more than 500 metro-area residents walked in the three-mile Jackson Memory Walk, Saturday, Oct. 9 at Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland.
“We have more than exceeded our goal in recruiting walkers for this walk,” said Ian McDonald, president of the Mississippi Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. McDonald told the teams to give themselves a hand for a job well done.
The walk raised more than $50,000.00.
Walkers came from throughout the tri-county area and beyond.
Brandon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, once again, “walked” away with the first-place trophies for the most team members. They placed second for the most funds raised. “We had 165 of residents, family members, and staff show up for the walk,” said Catherine Humphrey, a restorative nurse at the Brandon nursing center. “Most of our residents have Alzheimer’s, and we’re trying to get awareness out so people will be more aware of what’s going on with their loved ones, …. they’ll be able to be prepared when their loved ones have this disease.
St. Dominic Health Services, a corporate sponsor, placed first in the most funds raised and second in most team members recruited. Sister M. Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP, president of St. Dominic Health Services, led the walk as the grand marshal.
Walker Willie Woodard celebrated part of his birthday as a Memory Walk participant. “This is my first time, and I really enjoyed it. I had a good time,” said Woodard, who is the trustee chairman of Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson. The West Jackson native said walked in memory of a church member and in honor of his mother-in-law who is currently dealing with the disease.
“The event was exciting and the atmosphere of the people from all walks of life was so wonderful. Even the refreshments were great,” he said.
Rosena Jones, another first-time participant, conquered. However, the highlight for her was the crowd-pleasing performance by the Silver Sneakers (a dance group of senior citizens) who provided entertainment for the crowd as part of the walk’s warm-up.
Corporate sponsors of the walk included St. Dominic Health Services, WAPT News, and BlueCross BlueShield. Other sponsors included, but not limited to, Ridgeland Pointe, Odyssey Hospice, The Blacke at Township, The Orchard, TracePointe Senior Living Community, Newks, BlueBell, etc.
JSU journalism student Jacqueline Wells also contributed to this article.
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