All photos by Hajar Azegza.
Alzheimer's Awareness Day was September 21st and November is Alzheimer's awareness month, but that did not stop Key Club members and many others from going out and supporting on October 16th. The Walkers Welcome and Route opened at 8:30 am on Sunday morning. After the 10:00 am ceremony that welcomed all those who came to support, the three-mile walk began.
Henry Dzuong, a Malden High School sophomore who attended the Alzheimer's Awareness Day Walk, described it as a “moving event.”
“The outcome of people who came was overwhelming, it’s crazy to think that these people each have a reason to be here,” Dzuong commented. He himself has a close family member who deals with Alzheimers, just like many others who attended the walk and being able to have attended and see so much support meant a lot to him.
While some were there from personal experience or second hand experiences, the majority went to show their support. Kathleen Rogers, a mother who attended the walk with her children, said “I don’t personally know anybody with the disease, but I can’t imagine what life would be like not being able to remember things, especially my own children. I guess you could say I'm just here to show my support and understanding to those who deal with it or have loved ones who do themselves.”
The Alzheimer's walk took place at the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) North Point Park which is approximately an 8.5 acre park located along the North side of the Charles River in Cambridge. This gave the volunteers a gorgeous view to enjoy while they walk to spread awareness for Alzheimer's disease.
During the event, there were stands volunteers could go up to and sign up with a volunteer form which could also have be filled out beforehand online and get a t-shirt that read “Walk to end Alzheimer’s”. The walkers had little purple cow bells along with purple balloon sticks to carry around which were much entertainment for the kids. Rogers joked, “I think my daughter only attended for the bright balloons.”
Volunteers and other attendees were able to make a donation towards the “2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Greater Boston”. You are still able to donate to the walks, a team, or even to a walker at act.alz.org. All of the funds raised from the website and at the walks go to further the care, support, and research efforts of the nonprofit organization, Alzheimer’s Association.
This event not only highlighted the awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease, but showed just how much just one person’s support can influence many more lives.
