“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Confucius
Alzheimer’s disease is becoming so widespread that it seems to touch almost every family. It’s easy to throw up our hands helplessly and accept the status quo.
But September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and people around the globe are raising awareness and funds for a cure to Alzheimer’s disease. Leading the charge is the Alzheimer’s Association with its Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The first steps of Memory Walk® were taken in 1989 with nine chapters raising $149,000 from 1,249 walkers. Fifteen years later (in 2014), 600 communities across the U.S. held the Walk, and over 450,000 people participated and raised over $67 million!
These annual walks have inspired many others to hold awareness and fundraising campaigns as well. Independent from the Alzheimer’s Association are other Alzheimer’s organizations, foundations, and care facilities that sponsor walks, runs, golf outings, fashion shows, and many other activities. Some individuals have even pledged to walk or run across America for Alzheimer’s, including Jack Fussell, who is on his second trek from Georgia to California. He took his first single step 1191 days ago and, at the time of this writing, has logged 14,370 miles and raised $33,082.
So, what is the money actually used for?
According to their website, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association:
* Help families across the country by continuing to provide and enhance programs focusing on education and support.
* Advance critical research studies into methods of treatment, prevention and ultimately, a cure.
* Speak up for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s through our public policy initiatives.
Now is the perfect time for you to take your first single step toward a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Chances are good there’s a walk near you. Fresh air, new friends, doing something about a vexing problem. . . what’s not to like? Click here to find a walk. Small steps taken together make great strides. Go!