Walk to End Alzheimer's fundraiser highlights need for care

Alzheimer's, a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and behavior, can involve heartbreak.

Bill Evans, who previously worked in health care, lost his mother to the disease.

"It was very bad, for one, because I had to deal with it from 3,000 miles away. My mom is on the East Coast, so my sister is a blessing to the family," Evans said. "Because she was there and she was first-hand seeing – what I saw was the times when I went home."

Evans shared an experience of when he went to the hospital to see her on his birthday.

"One minute, she knew who I was, and it was my birthday, and the next minute, she didn't know who I was or that it was my birthday," Evans said.

Talking to his mother on his birthday in the hospital was Evans' last memory of her, something that is very tough for him.

Because of his mother’s condition, Evans got involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer's fundraiser in Yuba City – a local walk that is part of a larger organization. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest fundraiser for care, support and research for the disease. Yuba City will host the local fundraising effort on Saturday.

Beyond the fundraising element, the walk serves as an opportunity for connection. For Evans, who is currently a committee member for the Yuba City walk, the event provides him with a chance to catch up with people.

"As small as Marysville and Yuba City are, for me, it was always catching up with people that you haven't seen in such a long time, even though these two towns are so small," Evans said. "So it was like a sharing of love with people that you hadn't seen that you love."

For this annual walk, people come together for a common cause. It is also an opportunity to reminisce.

"My brother, my niece, wife and friends all had our little team to come together and do this," Evans said.

Alzheimer's is a condition that touches many. One in three adults over 65 dies with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

Walk manager Elicia Stewart encourages people to share what is happening.

"I'm not hearing the stories until after the fact, and I can't help after the fact," Stewart said. "I can't be there for you, I can't support you, I can't provide you with the resources after the fact."

Stewart said it is a subject we do not like to talk about.

"I am a big believer that if we talk about it and take the stigma off of it, then you can get help," Stewart said.

Activity director at Summerfield Senior Living in Yuba City, Annette Cottonaro said that Summerfield's participation in the walk is something that is near and dear to Summerfield – as dementia impacts many residents.

Cottonaro said that one resident raised money for his walk by selling adorable teddy bears that he made. Summerfield fundraised for the walk at three concerts in the park – they grilled hot dogs. She estimated that between the three concerts, they probably collected about $1,500.

At the walk, each registered participant will receive a promise garden flower, each with a color that has a different meaning. They include:

– Blue represents someone living with Alzheimer's or another dementia

– Purple is for those who have lost someone to the disease

– Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for a person living with Alzheimer's

– Orange is for those who support the cause and the Association's vision of a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia

For the walk, people will first gather at Gauche Aquatic Park in Yuba City. The festival area opens at 8 a.m., with a 9 a.m. opening ceremony and a 9:30 a.m. walk. You can register online at alz.org/yubacitywalk or at the event itself. The Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline number is 800-272-3900; the helpline provides emotional support, crisis assistance and information about local resources.