The atmosphere around Riverside Park vibrated with energy as hundreds gathered for the 22nd annual Walk to Remember, hosted by the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County, to shine a light on the care, support and education available to local families affected by memory and movement disorders.
“Our goal for this event was $150,000,” announced Peggy Cunningham, executive director.
“Not only have we made our goal as of today, we will probably go beyond that. We have never made this much in fundraising for this event. Thank you for helping us to continue to grow.”
She added that there had been a record-breaking 51 teams and 40 sponsors.
“We’re here because 7 million people in this country suffer from Alzheimer’s. But let me bring it a little closer to home for you,” said Cunningham.
Statistically, she said, there are some 750,000 people in Florida diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, an almost 25 percent increase over the past five years. Although updated statistics will be released soon that she anticipates will be even higher, she said more than 1,000 residents in this county suffer from Parkinson’s or some form of movement disorder.
Additionally, she said there are 12 million caregivers nationwide, many of whom are unpaid, including some 870,000 unpaid caregivers in Florida.
The funds raised at the event will ensure that they can continue to offer 45 free-of-charge programs for patients and families coping with the diagnosis of a memory or movement disorder.
Programs include movement classes, social respite, counseling, memory screening and Project Lifesaver, a bracelet-type device that enables law enforcement to track individuals with memory disorders should they wander off and become lost.
As the walk took place the Saturday after Veterans Day, veterans in the crowd were invited to the front of the stage to receive thanks for the freedoms they secured. The Sebastian River High School ROTC Honor Guard presented the colors, followed by a moving rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Moreen Burkart.
Participants would pass through Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary during part of the route, and Cunningham asked walkers to reflect on their gratitude as they walked quietly through it.
Before the walkers were released with much fanfare, including a patriotic stilt walker and bubbles, several board members joined John Sammartano on stage for a warmup.
Upcoming events include An Evening of Elegance and Reflection at the Gallery at Windsor on Feb. 5, and a Successful Aging Luncheon featuring Helen Hunt on March 26.
For more information, visit AlzPark.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
