September 22, 2014 at 2:37 p.m.

Alzheimer's walk raises awareness, funds

Alzheimer's walk raises awareness, funds
Alzheimer's walk raises awareness, funds

Hundreds of people descended on Rouman Cinema in Rhinelander Saturday morning, although none of them were there to see a movie.

The theater played host to this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's event.

Many wore purple in recognition of the cause and carried a large plastic flower, each color represented a different kind of relationship with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia.

Julie St. Pierre, outreach specialist for the Alzheimer's Association's Greater Wisconsin Chapter, said it's the one day of the year that Alzheimer's disease takes center stage.

"This is our largest fundraiser here in Rhinelander," she said. "The money we raise here at this event goes to support local programs and services for people right here in the Northwoods who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease or other types of dementia. Everyone that comes to walk today gets a flower that represents their reason for walking today."

Although rain was in the forecast all week leading up to the event, dry skies and comfortable temperatures accompanied the walkers all morning.

Before they departed on the walk, St. Pierre led a ceremony that highlighted the difficulties surrounding Alzheimer's and dementia, and the great strength of all those who dedicate their time to taking care of those afflicted with the condition.

Dianne Jacobson, director of the Oneida County Department on Aging, said any additional awareness could go a long way.

"Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in America today," she said. "The number of older adults is beyond an epidemic. It's the one event of the year that really raises some significant money for research and support, and the Alzheimer's Association is leading the charge."

Those in attendance were given one of four different colored flowers. The color represented each person's personal relationship with the cause. A purple flower meant that person has lost a loved one to Alzheimer's or dementia. A yellow flower meant that person is a caregiver to someone with the disease. An orange flower meant that person supports the cause, and a blue flower represents a person who is currently living with dementia or Alzheimer's.

Matthew O'Melia was one of the many young people taking part in the walk.

"I do this to help my mom," he said. "She works with Grace Lodge Assisted Living so I do this to help them. It brings everyone together and it's for a great cause, so I'm happy to be involved. It's a great atmosphere. Everyone is happy and it's a cause we all care about."

St. Pierre said people like O'Melia are what make the event so effective and so beneficial. While the event certainly raises money for the cause, perhaps the most significant positive it supplies to the community is a sense of support.

For caregivers assisting family members with Alzheimer's or dementia, isolation is very common. Events like the Walk to End Alzheimer's help create a sense of community and that can make all the difference. That was apparent at Rouman Cinema.

"I think the mood is celebratory," St. Pierre said. "People here are having fun and learning about the steps they can take against the disease and what they can do to fight this disease. There are purple beads, purple pom-poms and tattoos for people to wear to lighten the mood. For many people it's a sad day because they're remembering people they've lost and the journey they've taken (with) the disease. There's a great sense of power though with the people who've dealt with the disease. They realize they can actually do something about this instead of feeling so alone."

Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].

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