Walking for a cause: Alzheimer's Tennessee Foothills Walk

Folks looking to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease gathered at Alcoa High School on Saturday, April 6, for Alzheimer’s Tennessee’s Foothills Walk.

The event kicked off with live music, games and tables filled with coffee and snacks. Cotton candy and popcorn machines were also available for the kids and the young at heart.

Businesses in attendance included Shannondale of Maryville, Brookdale, Blount Memorial Hospital, Home Instead and Asbury Place.

Before the walk began, there were plans to hold a pet parade and a best-dressed parade.

Shannondale Lifestyle and Wellness Director Jen Krueger, Lifestyle and Wellness Coordinator Diana Vita and resident Roxanne Johnson, all donning sparkling tutus in the Alzheimer’s Tennessee colors, were among those in attendance to walk.

“We’re walking in honor of our residents and just raising awareness,” Krueger said. “We love working with Katie with Alzheimer’s Tennessee, and it’s such a great cause. We’re so happy to be a part of it.”

For attendees Tom and Marian Estabrook, this was their third time walking for Alzheimer’s Tennessee. Tom, who has Alzheimer’s disease and whose mother passed away from it, said that the walk was a great event to help raise awareness and bring people together.

Marian said letting people know that there is support out there for caretakers of people living with Alzheimer’s was incredibly important. She said caregivers can often feel lost, and some may not realize that support groups are available to them.

The Estabrooks were walking with their dog Rizzo on the Townsend Animal Clinic team.

According to the Alzheimer’s Tennessee website, the organization’s mission is “to serve those facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, to promote brain health through education, and to champion global research, prevention, and treatment efforts.