ANDALUSIA, Ala. (WDNews) — The Covington County community will come together in October to raise awareness and support families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
According to LBW Community College, the Covington County Mini Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held Sunday, Oct. 18, at the college’s Andalusia campus. The event benefits the Alzheimer’s Association.
Registration begins at 2 p.m. on the Barbara L. McClain Walking Trail. A Promise Garden ceremony will begin at 3 p.m., with the walk immediately following.
During the Promise Garden ceremony, participants honor people affected by Alzheimer’s. Different colored flowers represent each participant’s connection to the disease and their reason for supporting efforts to end Alzheimer’s.
“This is a cause that’s close to me,” said DeAndra Pyron, an LBW employee and Alzheimer’s Association supporter. “Dementia robbed me, my dad, my brother, my boys, and our entire family. But most of all, it stole my mom from me.”
“I walk to end Alzheimer’s because I don’t want other families to experience the heartbreak that mine has endured,” Pyron said.
Pyron has participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the past 10 years, raising between $7,000 and $10,000.
According to information provided for the event, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, while more than 11 million family members and friends provide care for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In Alabama, organizers said more than 103,000 people are living with the disease and about 222,000 unpaid caregivers are helping care for them.
Participants may also purchase Covington County Mini Walk T-shirts for $25. Shirt orders must be placed by Oct. 4.
Those interested in participating, donating or receiving updates can register online through information provided on the event’s promotional materials or follow the event’s Facebook page.
For additional information, contact Pyron at [email protected] or 334-881-2247.
Image Source – LBW Community College
Image Source – LBW Community College
