Thanks to helpers in Alzheimer’s fight

Submitted, letter to the editor
Published: November 25, 2008

For a person such as our mother, in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, something that most of us do everyday — simply walking — can be an overwhelming challenge. And that is only one of the many symptoms with which Alzheimer’s patients, as well as their families and friends, must struggle against daily.

Despite ongoing research, the path of Alzheimer’s continues to be one which grows more difficult as each day passes and which inevitably leads to the same outcome. Recently, however, a group of more than 100 concerned individuals joined together at Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum to show their unity and determination in the fight against this affliction in the annual Augusta County Memory Walk. This event raises much needed funds and, more importantly, public awareness for the battle against this ever-growing tragedy among our aging population. The road to an eventual cure is a long one, but by combining our individual small steps, Memory Walks across the country raise money to aid in research, care giving and support for those whose lives have been touched by this tragic disease.

We wish to thank all the local businesses who participated in this year’s Walk for their much-needed support, local agencies for their ongoing commitment and most of all the individual walkers who took a few hours from their busy schedules to come together to show that we will not sit by idly as this disease slowly robs us of our loved ones. The life journey of someone afflicted by Alzheimer’s is forever changed, as is that of those close to them, but somewhere down the road there is hope for a cure, and we must push toward that destination for those who are unable to do so themselves. We are on the move to end Alzheimer’s. Thank you for your help in reaching that goal.

Steve and Jennifer Weaver
Staunton