The End of Alzheimer’s Starts With You and Me

Posted on: 2016 09 19

The End Of Alzheimer's Starts With You That is the one of the Alzheimer's Association slogans. Yesterday was the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Shelburne, Vermont. The Walk is the Alzheimer’s Association’s largest national event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Vermont Walks were held in Rutland and St. Johnsbury earlier this month; the last one is in Bennington on September 25.   This was my first Walk. As the daughter and former full-time Caregiver to a parent with dementia, I was very moved. It was a sea of purple; a visual illustrating how many of us have been touched by the disease. The Promise Garden was also powerful. Each registered walker chose a Promise Garden flower that best represented their connection to the disease: blue represents someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, purple is for someone who has lost a loved one to the disease, yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and orange is for everyone who supports the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer’s. After the official kick-off -complete with surprise appearance by Vermont's own Grace Potter- the Walk began and volunteers stayed behind to “plant” our chosen flowers. Shelburne Museum provided the perfect backdrop for the Walk with its gorgeous grounds, buildings and outdoor exhibits. Finishing the Walk and looking out at the Promise Garden was a sight I won’t soon forget; I am already looking forward to the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.   Armistead Senior Care was proud to volunteer, walk and participate. We are honored to be a part of such a special day and we appreciate all of the planning and hard work put in by our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and their volunteer committees. Thank You-and the End of Alzheimer's Starts With All Of Us.