September 21, 2015 at 3:36 p.m.
Hundreds walk for Alzheimer's research in Rhinelander
Hundreds walk for Alzheimer's research in Rhinelander
St. Pierre said the walk route went through the downtown area this year. The walkers traveled down Brown Street and saw a number of "END ALZ" signs businesses have put up to show support for the cause of ending Alzheimer's, as well as showcase some of the great things happening downtown Rhinelander.
"We have many people that come from out of town, so it's a great opportunity to show ourselves off a little bit," St. Pierre said.
Money raised for the Alzheimer's Association goes directly to support local services.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, someone will develop the disease every 67 seconds, and that rate is speeding up. By 2050, someone will develop Alzheimer's every 33 seconds.
Locally, support groups are available for caregivers, classes are available for professionals, as well as other services and training. A national toll free number is supported, as well as research to end Alzheimers, St. Pierre said.
"The goal ultimately is to end Alzheimer so we won't have to have a walk," St. Pierre said. "We will have found a way to prevent it or cure it."
St. Pierre has been with the Alzheimer's Association for 10 years, and said the growth of the walk and organization, as well as awareness in the Northwoods is astounding.
The first walk drew around 60 participants, she said.
"We've come a long way since then. We all have a reason to be here today," St. Pierre said. "We've all been touched by this disease, either directly or through work, maybe a neighbor."
St. Pierre's work with the association has become more than a job to her. It's now a mission, she said.
The laughter and tears she has shed with so many of the participants in the walk and through the association helped make that change for her.
"It got much more personal when my grandma was diagnosed. We lost her in July of last year," St. Pierre said.
Prior to the walk, everyone gathered in the cinema to talk about the reasons for participating in the walk, and how Alzheimer's has affected them.
Participants had flowers of different colors waving in the air for the promise garden, with each color signifying caregivers, advocates, people who are remembering those they have lost to the disease, and people who have the diseases of Alzheimer's or dementia themselves.
"What an easy and fun way to show support," Sarah Girada, a participant said. "It's a cause that everyone should get behind. I can be an advocate in the battle."
"We don't know what the future holds for any of us, so anything I can do to help, I will," Girada added.
Katie Perttunen may be reached at [email protected].
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