Move with us to end Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer's Association is inviting Brainerd lakes area residents to join in the fight against Alzheimer's by participating in the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk being held on Sept. 26 at Kiwanis Park in Brainerd.

This is the 20th anniversary of the Memory Walk, but the first time we've had an opportunity in the Brainerd lakes area to participate.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing epidemic that is now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that someone in America develops Alzheimer's every 70 seconds. By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer's disease every 33 seconds.

There has never been a greater need for Brainerd lakes area citizens to join in the fight against Alzheimer's disease by participating in the Memory Walk. As senior care providers in the area, the members of our Memory Walk Committee deal with clients and their families every day that are affected by Alzheimer's. One out of eight people age 65 and older have Alzheimer's. The funds raised will provide support services to the 104,000 residents of Minnesota living with Alzheimer's, while also contributing to critically needed research. This is a great opportunity to give back and do something about this disease that affects so many.

Duane, Pam and Bailey Wachholz are the honorary chair family of the 2009 Brainerd Lakes Memory Walk. Duane was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's in January. According to Pam and Bailey, the Alzheimer's Association has been invaluable in helping them as a family understand and live with this disease on a daily basis. Bailey, through her involvement with the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen Pageant, has taken on the platform to help kids age 5-18 understand living in an environment where Alzheimer's affects a parent.

In addition to the one-third or two mile walk, participants will enjoy live entertainment by Kings Ransom, Emcee Tess Taylor of B and L Broadcasting, food, refreshments and prizes. A bell will ring every 70 seconds during the walk to symbolize another person being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. We're on the move to end Alzheimer's. Please join us.

To start a team or make a donation, contact the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/memorywalk or call Deb Cranny, Home Instead Senior Care, at 824-0077.

The Memory Walk Committee consists of representatives from Good Samaritan Society, Lakewood Health, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Aicota Nursing Home, Heartland Hospice, Edgewood Vista, Carefree Living, Brainerd Health Systems, Guide Point Pharmacy and Home Instead Senior Care.

I'm very excited that we all are working together for such a great cause. "

Deb Cranny is the executive director at Home Instead Senior Care and Memory Walk Committee member.