With sneakers laced and sweatbands in place, participants got down to business on a recent Saturday morning, walking in honor of friends and loved ones during the 18th annual Walk to Remember, to benefit the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County.
Riverside Park was filled with energy as John Sammartano got the crowd energized as they prepared to raise funds and awareness to support the free programs and services the nonprofit offers to individuals and caregivers coping with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases.
Donors, sponsors, teams and individuals worked hard toward reaching their “audacious goal” to support program growth, said Peggy Cunningham, executive director.
“This year, our goal was $175,000, the highest we’ve ever tried to make. I’m pleased to announce we have met it; we have surpassed it. And we want you to keep fundraising,” said Cunningham, noting that their support is critical, as all of its programs and services are free to local residents.
“This is the most successful we’ve ever been, and it’s because of all of you. The reason that we have all of the programs that we have, which are free of charge, is because of you; every single person in this park today.”
The nonprofit provides memory screening, social respite, movement programs, support groups and education for those affected by memory and movement disorders. Its Project Lifesaver program gives caregivers peace of mind by outfitting family members who wander with personalized radio transmitters that can be tracked by local law enforcement.
More than 1,000 residents receive services each year, along with their caregivers, who often neglect their needs while caring for a loved one. Through their free Dementia Live experience, caregivers and others in the community can also better understand the confusion and hardships experienced by those with memory disorders.
Join the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association for their annual Successful Aging Luncheon on March 17 featuring Frances Mayes, author of “Under the Tuscan Sun.”
For more information, visitalzpark.org.
Photos by Kaila Jones
