Walk to End Alzheimer's fundraiser a success at New Philadelphia
By Kyle Valentini
October 1, 2012
379
Nearly 200 people, most dressed in purple, gathered at Tuscora Park early in the day on Saturday, Sept. 29 for the fourth annual Walk to End Alzheimers. The largest fundraiser for the Alzheimers Association takes place in various locations on various days across the nation, eight of which are held in the region.
The Greater East Ohio Area chapter, along with local sponsors including Crossroads Hospice, Walnut Hills Retirement Community and Country Club Retirement Campus, had representatives on hand to share information and participate in the annual autumn event that intends to raise awareness as well as funds that can be put to good use in the advancement of research, care and support and the promotion of brain health in order to reduce dementia.
The Scott Murphy family of Stark County served as 2012 honorees and led the walk on a course through the park. Diane Murphy was a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a friend to many when she passed away last February at the age of 60. Having been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease when she was only 49, Diane lived each day as if it were her last.
It is fitting that we are all in purple today, said Sean Murphy, Dianes son. My moms favorite color was purple. She loved to care for others as well and it is an honor to speak to you all today. Our journey was a long one lasting 11 years. She started to forget dad and then us but she held onto the grandkids the longest. Team Murphy consisted of 25 walkers and was undoubtedly the largest participating team.
Jim Savage, along with wife Brenda and mom Patricia of Navarre, attended the event. It was a first time for Jim, whose dad is in the late stages of Alzheimers disease. My dad was the fire chief in our community for a long time, said Jim Savage. It is a comfort to know he is well-known and liked at the nursing home where he lives. Making the decision to put him in care was really difficult, but I had to force myself, and after many family battles we knew it had to be this way.
This event is very positive and brings people together who share a similar story, said Brenda Savage. This is my third time walking. In order for Jim to come to terms with his fathers illness he really had to detach himself emotionally and see things from the outside. Events like this help us cope and I know our presence here is good for other families too.
More than $30,000 was raised, making it the most successful fundraiser to date. In addition to donations, the event included a raffle where ticket holders had the opportunity to win prizes donated from local businesses and individuals.
Event committee member Pat Warther described the event as being well-organized and running smoothly. With the recent passing of my father-in-law, Dave Warther, todays event is more personal than ever, said Warther. My husband, kids and other family members are walking in his honor today.
Alzheimers Association development director Andy Junn of the Summit County office was busy registering participants before the walk got under way. This disease is serious enough, said Junn. I believe people come together at events like this to celebrate their loved ones. Each year the event grows and we want people to know if they must take this journey they do not have to do it alone.
Top family fundraisers for the event were Team Joy with $1,104, Team Murphy with $2,835 and Team Nancy & Hobarts Wacky Walkers with $4,886.
Top corporate fundraisers were Schoenbrunn Health Care with $1,300, Walnut Hills Retirement Community with $1,870 and Hennis Care Centre with $9,600.
Other event sponsors included Sanctuary Home Health Care, Generations at Ten Lakes, Hennis Care Centre of Dover and Bolivar, Schoenbrunn Health Care and Warther Museum.
Food and beverages for the event were donated by Barkett Fruit at Dover, Daily Grind Café at New Philadelphia, Geib Funeral Home at Dover and New Philadelphia, Hennis Care Centre of Dover and Bolivar and Schoenbrunn Health Care at New Philadelphia.
For more information about Alzheimers disease and the resources available to individuals and families touched by the disease, call 800-272-3900.
