Walking is great exercise. People of all ages can participate to keep physically fit. Walking alone affords the opportunity to clear and refresh your mind. Walking with others, whether with friends or family, lets you share the latest news or personal thoughts. But did you know walking can also help end Alzheimer’s disease and aid those stricken by that fatal disease?
Your opportunity to help comes at 8 a.m. Oct. 4 by participating in the 15th annual Southern Crescent Walk To End Alzheimer’s.
Join hundreds of others on a 3.1 mile stroll along the cool, shaded pathways of Peachtree City.
Participants come from seven counties on Atlanta’s south side: Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Henry, Meriwether, South Fulton and Spalding. It’s a happy, fun-filled family affair. Bring the kids. Bring the family dog. Bring a friend. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. Rain or shine…the walk goes on.
For the past several months over 85 teams of volunteers from across the South Atlanta area have sought out event sponsors and individual donors, plus held ingenious fundraisers to obtain funds to aid those with Alzheimer’s.
Many of these volunteers participate because Alzheimer’s is personal with them. Others just want to help conquer a deadly disease. Their hard work is greatly appreciated.
Walkers will assemble in the parking lot of the Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater on McIntosh Trail. Plenty of free parking is available. All walkers are encouraged to register beginning at 8 a.m. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m.
Runners are also welcome. During the wait grab a quick free snack, listen to the fantastic music of the Peachtree Jazz Edition, make a new friend, visit the numerous sponsor booths for important information, or register for the many gifts donated by area businesses to be given away at the conclusion of the walk.
Make sure the kids watch the antics of the Clowns With New Hope and maybe get a balloon animal. Just before the walk begins, warm up those muscles with physical trainers from World Gym. Stop by the flower booth to pick up a revolving flower for placement in the Promise Garden during the walk, then take it home for your special spot.
Golf carts will be stationed at regular intervals along the pathways to aid those who cannot walk the entire length.
Water stations will allow you to hydrate. A mini-walk is available for those who cannot manage the bigger undertaking but want to participate. And after the walk, pick up your free hot dog, hamburger and chips prepared by the Kiwanis Club of Peachtree City.
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease of the brain characterized by memory loss, disorientation, emotional instability, and speech difficulties which result in a progressive loss of mental ability. “Senior moments” come with age, but are just temporary. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s is permanent. Named for German neurologist Alois Alzheimer (1864-1915), the disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. There is no known cure. Approximately 5 million Americans, including 200,000 Georgians, are afflicted with Alzheimer’s. The Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association provides care and support which is greatly financed by donations from businesses and individuals.
The initial walk in Peachtree City was organized by Peachtree City co-founder Floy Farr in 2000 whose wife suffered from this brain disease. Since that time over $2 million has been raised to aid those afflicted and their caregivers. The majority of the funds raised by the walk will remain in Georgia to assist Georgians.
According to Sue Shaffer, Walk Chair, “We all face challenges in our daily lives. We live in the present, but sometimes worry about the future. Wouldn’t it be great not to have to worry about the possibility of having Alzheimer’s or caring for one that does?”
So, who will you walk for? A relative recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s? Perhaps a close friend? In memory of someone? Or will it be a child or young adult you love so they won’t have to walk in the future because a cure has been discovered? You decide! Don’t forget to bring a donation. Alzheimer’s cannot be defeated without you! For additional information visit the following website: act.alz.org/southerncrescent.
