The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be hosted on The University of Toledo Main Campus Sunday, Oct. 18.
“Alzheimer’s is truly the long slow goodbye, the cruelest of diseases with constant grieving through each ugly stage,” said Angela Campbell, executive secretary in the College of Social Justice and Human Service. “It is a terrible feeling knowing that there is currently nothing that can help, not even a glimpse of hope to hold onto.”
She will participate in the event that will start at the Health Education Center with registration and check-in at 9:30 a.m., a ceremony at 11:30 a.m., and the walk at noon.
“My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the young age of 65,” Campbell said. “Last year we formed Team Vanco for the walk, and we are walking again this year in memory of my grandfather, Louis A. Vanco Sr., and in honor of my father, Louis A. Vanco Jr., who is currently living with the disease.”
The event will feature music, activities, giveaways, speakers, and information tables for support groups, respite programs, and how to get involved.
“We need to raise public awareness and increase research funding,” Campbell said. “Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death in the top 10 that cannot be prevented or cured.”
All funds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading voluntary health organization dedicated to the disease’s care, support and research.
Those who register and achieve the fundraising minimum of $100 will receive a free T-shirt at the walk.
To register online or volunteer, visit http://utole.do/alzheimerswalk2015.
Donations also may be submitted by check or money order through mail or hand-delivered to the local Alzheimer’s Association office, 2500 North Reynolds Road, Toledo, OH 43615.
For more information, contact Salli Bollin, event coordinator, at 419.537.1999 or sbollin@alz.org.
