Unfortunately, more than 800 residents of Lowndes County have been diagnosed with some stage of Alzheimer”s disease. This very debilitating condition puts extraordinary demands on those afflicted and family members who are often unprepared and overwhelmed by its vicious attack on a loved one”s memory.
The national Alzheimer”s Association (www.alz.org), in conjunction with its Mississippi state chapter (www.alz.org/ms/), runs a well-publicized Alzheimer”s Memory Walk to fund research and support. The 2009 Columbus Alzheimer”s Memory Walk — the only official Alzheimer”s walk in the Golden Triangle — will take place on the Plantation Pointe Retirement Community campus Saturday, Nov. 7. Registration begins at 9 a.m.
The Alzheimer”s Association and Plantation Pointe Retirement Community have two major goals. The first is to raise money for research. The other is to offer support and counseling to anyone who needs guidance. Achieving these goals would greatly benefit the more than 52,000 people in Mississippi who are affected by Alzheimer”s.
Assistance is provided through an around-the-clock Alzheimer”s Association Helpline at 800-272-3900. The Helpline offers reliable information and support to all those who need help — people with memory loss, caregivers and health care professionals, as well as the general public.
Walk organizers say very special plans are underway to make this year”s Columbus Alzheimer”s Memory Walk a great success and an annual event. Custom-designed T-shirts, a breakfast/brunch cookout, a marching band and live entertainment are only some of the activities planned. More than a dozen teams from around the Golden Triangle have already committed to participate.
How to help
The community can participate in numerous ways. Church and social groups, clubs, businesses, sports teams and students accumulating community service hours are all encouraged to organize teams. Event sponsors and volunteers are needed, as well.
By registering for the Alzheimer”s Walk, you are joining a nationwide community of thousands of people standing up and participating in the fight against a devastating disease.
For additional information on walking, sponsorships or donations, contact Joan Sheppard, RN, at 662-241-5518, or e-mail her at [email protected].
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