Josiah Kopp
The first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, but we need the community’s help to find them. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Not familiar with Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s is a (currently) irreversible progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills and ability to carry out tasks. Symptoms include difficulty remembering newly learned information, disorientation, mood and behavior changes, confusion and difficulty speaking, swallowing or walking.
Why is the continuation of support and research around Alzheimer’s so important? In North Dakota alone, more than 14,000 residents are living with Alzheimer’s and more than 30,000 friends and family members are providing care. Since January 2019, our region’s branch of the Alzheimer’s Association has provided approximately 14,000 care consultations or family meetings in every county in North Dakota. With more support and involvement, this number can continue to grow.
One of the most widely recognized efforts The Alzheimer’s Association puts on is their Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This walk is the world’s largest event for raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Within North Dakota, there are walks in Minot, Bismark, Fargo, Grand Forks and even more in Minnesota.
September 21 will be the Fargo Walk to End Alzheimer’s, held at the Fargo Civic Center. This all-ages event has a goal to raise $110,000 and to see 1,000 walkers showing their support for the mission. “The Walk brings a sense of purpose to our community and to those who work with individuals everyday living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. They see firsthand how this disease can affect individuals and families, and they are fighting for a cure to find our first survivor,” said Emily Bultema, senior development manager at Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter. “By fundraising for the Walk and starting a team, you can create awareness of the disease and our cause.”
What are some ways people can help?
Sign up for the Walk today! There is no minimum amount you must fundraise, but The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help make it easy. Register at alz.org/walk
Companies can support the Alzheimer’s Association at a sponsor level that fits their needs while supporting the association’s programs, research and care options as well as build a positive presence in the community.
Encourage your friends and family to get involved and volunteer with you at the Walk.
Sign up to be a Walk day volunteer to help set-up and tear-down for the Walk. Sign up here: signup.com/go/RfCJCQa
Become a volunteer community educator and teach classes and programs for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Join their Walk Planning Committee and be an instrumental volunteer for planning the Walk to End Alzheimer’s!
