Hundreds gather to Walk to End Alzheimer’s

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) -Hundreds of people gathered at Smother’s Park in support of those who have been affected by Alzheimer’s Disease.

People heard words of encouragement and inspiration, letting those there know that they are not alone.

Megan Irish is the Walk Coordinator for the event.

Irish says, “We like to say our biggest support group is the community here because you do come out and you see how many people in the local community are impacted by it so not only is it a great way to come out and meet like my new people and people who have been impacted by the disease themselves, but it is also a way to get resources. We’ve got a ton of resources for anyone providing care and support anyone living with the disease that might need some answers.”

The event also included different flowers- each symbolizing how somebody is tied to the disease.

The walk also added a white flower, with hopes that one day it will represent a cure.

Irish says, “We have our promised garden flowers that come in different colors. Purple is for anyone who is walking because they’ve lost a loved one Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia blue is anyone living with the disease yellow? Is anyone who cares for someone living with the disease and orange is just for anyone who is supportive of our cause and hopes to one day live in a world without Alzheimer’s disease.”

The day allows for those to show up for one another in the community and share their stories.
One testimony includes Tina Coon, who has two personal connections, her grandmother and father.

Coon says, “It’s amazing to see so many people out here who were just you know excited to walk for a cure you know and seeing so many people who who’ve been in my shoes and who are in my shoes you know I definitely don’t feel alone and it feels good seeing so many people come out today and walk, it feels great.”

The Alzheimer’s Association raised $52,000 through its Walk to End event in Owensboro.

The goal is to raise $125,000 by the end of the year.

More information can be found here .

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