By Shalane Farrell , CCA Certified
On September 23rd, 2018 I was a participant of the Walk to end Alzheimer’s in Redmond, Washington. In my life and career, I have known many people affected by this terrible disease and have lost both senior relatives and family friends. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United State and there are over five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and the statistics are increasing. One measurement that hits me on a personal level is that there are an estimated 16 million caregivers for people living with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related dementias in the United States. I am a CNA and have had the pleasure of caregiving for a lot of seniors with Alzheimer’s/Dementia.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s was an emotional event for me and others who came out to support research and a cure, but also a happy one. I saw hundreds of people come together, decked out in purple gear, all with the same mission, and walking to find a cure to END this progressive and growing disease. It was so heartening to see people pushing elderly folks in wheelchairs. There was also a huge wall where people could write the name of a loved one they were walking for, while many people carried windmill flowers in honor of those who had passed from the disease. I have taken part in this walk for quite a few years and will continue to do so both in honor of those who have succumbed and to support those suffering. I think it’s an amazing event that is growing every year, and it demonstrates the power of many, as people come together to support one another. Please consider attending this worthwhile event in the future!
