According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, including the nearly 7 million Americans who have Alzheimer’s.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a voluntary health organization dedicated to the spread of Alzheimer’s awareness. Each year, in over 600 communities throughout the country, the association hosts their Walk to End Alzheimers, the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s research, patient care, and support.
Supporters walking to raise money for Alzheimer’s research at SHU’s
awareness walk.
Maia Santora, Staff Photographer
On Oct. 18, the Sacred Heart University community collaborated with the Alzheimer’s Association to host their annual Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk. Students, faculty, and staff gathered around the Chapel Quad to take part in a walk that honors those whose lives have been affected by Alzhemier’s. SHU athletics, sorority and fraternity life, and club sports were in attendance and competed to raise funds for this cause.
“It was amazing to be a part of something bigger than myself and it made me proud to be a part of a university that holds events so important and impactful,” said sophomore Olivia Cavallo.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive cognitive brain disorder, impacting memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia. Due to their cognitive decline, daily tasks like driving, cooking, and eating can become difficult for patients, oftentimes robbing them of their independence.
Although there is no cure yet, events like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s help raise the funds necessary to work on finding one and provide patients with the other support they need.
The walk began at 11 a.m. with an opening ceremony. The event featured guest speakers and other fun activities like a Zumba instructor, chalk art, photo booth, snacks, and t-shirt sales.
“One of the key components of the ceremony is that we invite a member of the Mosaic senior living, who is currently living with Alzheimer’s to say a few words and be an advocate for those suffering with the disease,” said the Office of Community Engagement Director, Annie Johnson.
Participants were able to carry color-specific flowers to indicate the significance of this event and their connection to the disease.Blue flowers were for those living with Alzhiemer’s, purple flowers were for those who have lost someone to this disease, yellow flowers were for caregivers, and orange flowers were for supporters of the cause.
The ceremony ended with a garden planted full of colorful flowers in honor and memory of Alzheimer’s as a campus community.
“I think it’s important for students to understand different ways of giving back, not only through hands-on service but to engage in that advocacy, awareness, and fundraising,” said Johnson. “It is a way we live out our mission as a university to do good in the world.”
Together, the SHU community successfully raised $21,742 and had over 400 participants, far exceeding their goal.
If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s or getting involved in future walks, visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s website https://act.alz.org.
