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12th annual event raises more than $8,600 to fight Alzheimer's |
| Channels » Home » News » Event raises $8,600 to fight Alzheimer's |
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June 17, 2004 |
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This article by Terese Almquist, publisher, was reprinted with permission from the June 17, 2004, edition of The Daily Tribune, Hibbing, Minn.
CHISHOLM -- Denise Fisher was enjoying a walk Wednesday afternoon at Ironworld. A gentle breeze was blowing, flowers were blooming and the sun was shining.
A perfect afternoon for a walk, but Fisher and over 100 other walkers had a special purpose. They were the children, grandchildren and friends of those who struggle with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They were joined by caregivers from area homes at the 12th Annual Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk.
They were walking to raise money for the local association, which provides education and family support. The walkers raised $8,620, topping last year’s efforts of $8,000.
Fisher started participating in the Memory Walk three years ago when her mother lived at Greenview. She continued walking in the annual event after her mother moved to Leisure Hills. Understanding the frustration of Alzheimer’s, she joined a recently formed support group at Leisure Hills.
“The other group in town met during the day, which was impossible for me to attend since I work,” said Fisher. “We needed another group. It’s so important to have other people to talk to, share the grieving, the loss and the frustration.”
The walk brought two and three generations of many families together to share an afternoon of walking, camaraderie, food and prizes. After the walk, participants returned to the pavilion to learn of the top award winners, followed by numerous door prize drawings.
Golden Crest [Healthcare Center, a Beverly nursing home] was the top team with $1,569, followed by Greenview Residences with $1,266.35. Individual winners were Lindsay Almquist and Angie Skalsky with pledges of $225 and $200.
“I love coming to this walk,” said regional Alzheimer’s Association Director Mary Alice Carlson. “It keeps growing and has great volunteers and community support. We’ve come a long way. The general public, doctors and the facilities have become more educated. Last year’s new law mandating education for those that provide care has been a big help.”
“But this area has led the way,” said Carlson. “The area has good staff retention, which provides a better continuum of care, and that’s something you can’t find in the Twin Cities.”
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