On Oct. 18, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place at Chapel Quad. Hundreds of students, faculty, staff and supporters raised significant funds to help support research and critical care for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caretakers.
“Supporting causes not only helps raise funds for research and support services but brings people together as a community to show people they are not alone in the fight,” said Dr. Rui Liu, assistant professor of Health Sciences.
Source: Alexis Barada, Staff Writer and Photographer
Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects seven million people living in the U.S., and there are even more caretakers to account for. It kills one in three seniors, more people than prostate and breast cancer combined.
“Alzheimer’s is not a part of the normal aging process. It affects thinking ability, behavior and daily activities,” said Liu.
Alzheimer’s starts in your system 20 years before you even notice symptoms. Even so, results and diagnoses can take significant time to be revealed.
Each person who walks has their own story. Some have relatives and loved ones who are living with or lived with the disease. Some are caretakers and some are living with the disease themselves.
“My grandmother was a very sophisticated woman living in Manhattan in the 50s and 60s, working at the Flatiron Building,” said Cheryl Podob, Development Manager for Fairfield County. “30 years later, in the blistering hot summer, she stood in front of the mirror putting on a fur coat.”
Bobbi Tar, Chair of Event Experience for the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, shares how she first got involved in the association.
“In 2013, I was notified that something was wrong with my mom. We didn’t know exactly what it was, but later exams revealed it was some sort of dementia,” said Tar. “Sometime later, we were able to pinpoint the disease as Alzheimer’s.”
“My friend knew what I was going through and invited me to the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s. It was such a special event and, before I knew it, I had signed up for the planning committee for the next walk,” said Tar. “It was my way of giving back for my mom.”
Today, Tar has received the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) award for #1 volunteer in the state of Connecticut.
The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter raises funds year-round. They provide vital information, such as who to call for support and what services are available to individuals. They are currently offering Trial-Match clinical trials that connect individuals living with cognitive impairment, caregivers, and healthy participants with current research studies.
You can learn more about these clinical trials at http://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research-and-progress/clinical-trials/trialmatch.
“You can call 1(800)-272-3900 at any time and you will be answered by a master level clinician, 24 hours, 7 days a week,” said Podob.
For those interested in getting further involved, the association is always looking for more student involvement and volunteer work. Although there is no internship posting, inquiries are welcomed.
“We are a very small staff, but we would love to add an intern if a dedicated student reached out to https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/volunteer or emailed cspodob@alz.org,” said Podob.
The office is located in Farmington, Conn., and events are put on year-round. All events are free, and the staff describe themselves as a family, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and introduce yourself.
For students interested in the non-profit field, Liu shares her advice.
“Start with something you are passionate about and reach out to the organizations and non-profits. They are always looking for student involvement, and you will learn many skills that are not necessarily taught in the classroom,” said Liu.
