Normally at Living with a Golden we share information about fundraising events that support animals. Whether it be shelters, service dogs, working dogs, or even the occasional cat cause, Asa and I are strong believers in lending a helping paw. But today we’d like to ask you to consider participating in a fundraiser that directly affects our family by joining thousands of people across the country in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
September brings back a lot of memories for our Mom. Our Grandpa (Mom’s Dad) was a instrumental music teacher, who looked forward to the start of each new school year. You name the instrument, and he could play it. Not only that, but he taught countless students to play them too. However, Alzheimer’s Disease robbed Grandpa from making music.
September also brings back sad memories of the beginning of our goodbye to Grandpa. Little did we realize when he was admitted to the hospital on Labor Day Weekend 2016, that he would never be coming home again. By October, his courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease would be over. On that sad October night, Grandma lost her best friend and husband of 51 years; Mom and our Uncle lost their biggest cheerleader and confidante; Asa and I lost the best wrestling partner a dog could ever want; and students lost a talented music teacher.
Another September memory is in 2017 our Grandma participated in her first Walk to End Alzheimer’s. That day Grandma was overwhelmed with the feeling of love and support of being surrounded by so many people with one goal in mind, to raise funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
This September things are different. Grandma won’t be walking with a large group of walkers supporting each other in their determination to raise funds to end this disease. Nor will she hear the cheering from spectators lining the street as the walkers go past. And sadly, Asa and I won’t be able to walk with Grandma due to travel restrictions. But the work of the Alzheimer’s Association continues! Therefore, like so many other events, the Walk to End Alzheimer will be virtual this year. Grandma will be lacing up her sneakers, and we will be leashing up Mom and Dad to go for a walk in our neighborhoods to help raise awareness and funds. This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be everywhere!
In the upcoming days and weeks, across the country there will be virtual walks. At the virtual location of your choosing the day will begin with an interactive online opening ceremony. Followed by a walk in your neighborhood, trails, beaches or athletic tracks. Then concluding with the online Promise Garden Ceremony. There is no fee to register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, but participants are encouraged to donate so that through your support we can raise awareness of this disease while contributing to advances in research and care, and help other Grandpas and Grandmas.
In New England and New York here are just a few of Virtual Walks to End Alzheimer’s scheduled for the upcoming weeks:
September 12, 2020: York Beach, ME; Lewiston, ME; Rutland, VT; Westerly, RI
September 13, 2020: St. Johnsbury, VT; Newport, RI
September 26, 2020: Portland, ME; Manchester, NH; Plymouth, MA; Keene, NH; New Shoreham, RI; New London, CT; New Haven, CT; Loudonville, NY
September 27, 2020: Portsmouth, NH; Shelburne, VT; Holyoke, MA
October 3, 2020: Waterville, ME; Schenectady, NY; Adams, MA; Fall River, MA
October 4, 2020: Andover, MA; Waterville, ME; Foxborough, MA; Worcester, MA; Hyannis, MA; Bristol, CT
October 10, 2020: Hanover, NH
October 11, 2020: Norwalk, CT
October 17, 2020: Bangor, ME; Brunswick, ME
To learn more about this fundraising effort, find a virtual walk ceremony near you anywhere across the country, or to make a donation, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I’d also like to take a moment here to thank the Alzheimer’s Association for helping our Grandma every step of the way in finding the resources and support our family needed to help care for Grandpa in his courageous battle over the years.
