Peachtree City residents participated in this year’s Peachtree City Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s rejoined in person this year, with the health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers remaining top priorities. Participants raised more than $175,000 to support the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“It was great to get back in person for the 2021 Peachtree City /Southern Crescent Walk to End Alzheimer’s”, added Jackie Miller, Co-Chair, Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “Everyone was excited to have the unity and support within our community to find a cure for Alzheimer’s”, Miller added.
Bernie’s Babes were the top fundraising team at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising more than $15,000. In 2011, Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) formed a team named “Bernie’s Babes” that raised money for Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk, currently known as Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
“At that time my husband, Bernie, was the only spouse with any form of dementia and hence the name of our team Bernie’s Babes”, said Pat Rosenbach, team member of Bernie’s Babes. “We are able to raise $2,315. We were so proud to be the third highest fundraising team in the Walk. Only through the support of friends and families have we been able to raise the bar each year and we are so grateful to all of our donors”.
Since 2011, Bernie’s Babes have raised more than $115,000 for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The team has more than 17 members raising awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. The Peachtree City Walk was established in 2000, and is currently the second largest Walk in Georgia with 93 teams and 495 participants.
“Bernie’s Babes team has always inspired me with their deep commitment to ending Alzheimer’s disease”, added Sue Schaffer, Co-Chair, Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “Pat Rosenbach is a top fundraiser every year for 15 years at the same time she cared for Bernie”, Shaffer added. Sue Shaffer co-chair.
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – 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 Georgia alone, there are more than 150,000 people living with the disease and 334,000 caregivers.
“Many times life events put one in an arena which would never had been thinkable. Bernie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2008 and our worlds changed forever creating an awareness I had never known. Selfishly, because it did affect us I was motivated to do what I could to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. With Bernie’s passing August 29 th , I am painfully aware of the work that still needs to be done. Alzheimer’s isn’t stopping and neither are we. Thanks to our team captain, Ann, and all of our loyal supporters we walk for Bernie and all who are afflicted with this horrible disease”, Rosenbach stated.
The Peachtree City Walk to End Alzheimer’s will continue to raise funds to reach the goal of $215,000 for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s by December 31. To donate or start a team, visit georgiawalk.org.
