Geib Family of New Philadelphia to be recognized as 2015 Walk to End Alzheimers honoree
September 11, 2015
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The Alzheimers Associations Walk to End Alzheimers will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19 at JIMS Place, 228 W. High Ave., New Philadelphia.
Check-in is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m.
The Alzheimers Association Walk to End Alzheimers is the nations largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimers care, support and research.
The Geib family of New Philadelphia is the 2015 Honoree Family and will be recognized for their strong support of the Alzheimers Association and its mission. They will participate in the opening ceremony and share information about their familys journey with Alzheimers disease.
The Geib family is involved with the Alzheimers Association in memory of Rich and Lois Geib. Rich and Lois Geib spent their lifetime watching what they ate, except for some occasional desserts and chocolates. They enjoyed walking hand-in-hand throughout the community on their 6-mile walks. They stayed involved with their friends, church and social events.
Anne Geib described her grandparents challenges of Alzheimers disease beginning as many individuals experience: a loss of a thought here, a duplicate question there. Before long, things escalated to experiences that would cause the family members witnessing the progression of the disease to cry or try to find humor in the challenging moment. The Geib family remains united in being a voice for this disease and supports the mission of the Alzheimers Association.
Walk to End Alzheimers, held annually in more than 600 communities, is more than a walk. It is an inspiring and meaningful experience that calls on participants of all ages to share their voice as an advocate, walk in honor of their loved ones and help raise awareness of programs and services available to families affected by Alzheimers.
Also included in the event is the Promise Garden, a hands-on, mission-focused element of the Walk to End Alzheimers calling for participants to keep their promises to remember, to honor, to care and to fight Alzheimers disease. The four colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent the experience of the individual walk participant.
Alzheimers disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nations sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimers disease will rapidly escalate increasing well beyond todays more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimers.
The Greater East Ohio Area Chapter provides education, guidance, referral information and support for the 60,000 people with Alzheimers and 250,000 caregivers in the service area.
Those interested in participating in the Walk to End Alzheimers may register online at www.alz.org or by calling 330-650-0552. There is no cost to sign up; however, walkers are encouraged to seek donations from family members, friends, co-workers and other contacts. Those unable to attend may make donations to specifically support the Walk to End Alzheimers. For more information, visit www.alz.org or call Bernadette Duffy, development administrator, at 330-650-0552 or email bduffy@alz.org.
