Organizers of this month’s Columbia walk to end Alzheimer’s are still looking for sponsors and teams.
The event is Saturday October 17 at Stephens Lake park, with registration starting at 10 am. First State Community Bank vice president Valerie Livingston has lost both of her parents to Alzheimer’s and is a walk organizer:
“It means so many to people that are fighting this very sad disease. This event means so much to the caregivers,” she says.
Ms. Livingston says that once a year at the event, caregivers have people put their arms around them and tell them they are not alone.
Columbia’s Stephens Lake park is expected to be packed for October 17’s annual walk. Ms. Livingston has lost her mother and father to the disease. Livingston tells 939 the Eagle that her father also suffered from Parkinson’s:
“So he was unable to talk, unable to walk, unable to take care of himself, feed himself,” she says.
Ms. Livington says her father lost his motor skills at the same time he lost his cognitive skills. She encourages you to participate in the October 17 walk and says it’s a day to cope. Organizers hope to raise about $195,000 and have already raised more than $39,000. Valerie Livingston also notes you can just show up to walk that morning and donate whatever you can.
Last year’s walk raised more than $147,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.