Local Alzheimer N.C. Walk to raise awareness and funds for research
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 19, 2015 1:46 PM
Alzheimer's is no longer an "old person's disease."
More and more people of all ages and backgrounds are being affected, which is why events like the annual Alzheimer N.C. Walk are so important, says Carol Lancaster, co-chair of this year's Oct. 24 event.
"Currently there's more than 5.4 million people in the United States that have Alzheimer's or related dementias," she said. "The main thing that I think about is that individuals are controlled by the disease and the disease in turn controls the life of the caregiver.
"There are no survivors. There's no cure. Experts predict by 2050 there will be as many as 16 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease."
Despite the sobering statistics, Miss Lancaster chooses to focus more on the value of education and awareness.
"You can't live your life thinking you're going to have cancer, or you're going to get Alzheimer's," she said. "You just have to live your life learning about this dreaded disease and being aware, until they find out what the cause is and be able to do something about that. And that depends on research and funds."
This will be the 13th year for the Duplin/Greene/Wayne County Alzheimer's Walk, which will be held at Cornerstone Commons in downtown Goldsboro. Registration starts Saturday at 8 a.m. with opening ceremonies at 9 and the walk kicking off at 9:30.
Last year's event raised a little over $33,000, with the goal this year set at $35,000.
There is no registration fee and teams and individuals are still invited to participate. The theme this year is "Wish Upon a Cure."
"If you want to dress up like a favorite Disney or movie person, come on down. We'll be ready," Miss Lancaster said. "Join us in our walk as we 'wish upon a cure' and honor those who have had this awful disease or are currently in the journey."
In addition to the walk, the event will also feature home health care vendors, music, food and fun activities for children.
"We're just family friendly," Miss Lancaster said. "This year myself and Lisa Barber are the co-chairs. We're hoping and praying that the Lucky 13 (anniversary) will bring out more participants.
"It kind of dwindled away in participation and we have really seen an increase every year and hopefully will see more again this year."
She praised the walk committee for collaborating well to create the event, which will include awards for the oldest and youngest walkers, team spirit and top fundraising team.
The key component, though, is to promote awareness and to educate caregivers and the public, she said.
"We have walks across the state that raise funds for Alzheimer's N.C. -- research, they hold educational conferences, train family and professional caregivers, provide free information and materials, but most importantly, to advocate for the rights of individuals with all forms of dementia," she said.
While there are caregiver conferences offered around the state, locally there is also a monthly caregiver support group and twice monthly educational enlightenment class at Peggy Seegars Senior Center.
Such substantial offerings were part of the reason Miss Lancaster has volunteered in recent years to support the cause, she said.
"I just think that as long as you can give back, not always monetarily but of yourself, to support Alzheimer's N.C. or just the organization itself, because it reaches so many people in the state of North Carolina and it all stays, all funds stay in North Carolina," she said.
Don't be put off by Streetscape construction going on downtown, she noted, suggesting folks arrive early for the walk to secure parking in the vicinity of Chestnut Street.
And afterward, attendees can take advantage of another worthwhile event going on just a few blocks down, Miss Lancaster said -- The Really Chili Cook-off to benefit the Community Soup Kitchen.
For more information on the Alzheimer's Walk, call 919-778-8664 or 919-731-1608.