To the Editor,

Someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. every 66 seconds. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and by 2050, this number could rise as high as 16 million. This horrible disease of the brain impairs memory, thinking and behavior. There are as many as 15 million unpaid caregivers who watch their loved one progressively decline in the daily activities you and I take for granted – like eating dinner with our families or getting ourselves dressed in the morning.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., yet receives only a fraction for funding compared with other diseases. These statistics remind us that our only choice is to choose hope.

In 2016, our walk was cancelled due to the untimely visit of Hurricane Matthew. Even with the terrible devastation that our area suffered, we were able to raise over $6,000. This was due to the combined efforts of the local businesses, long term care communities and dedicated individuals in our county. We turn to you again this year to help us reach and exceed our goal of $10,000.

Walk with us to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. You can help us raise awareness of this dreaded, traumatic, debilitating, non-discriminating, frustrating, depressing and tragic disease. Robeson County Walk To End Alzheimer’s is a fundraiser for the Eastern NC Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

We invite everyone to walk with us this Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at Wesley Pines Retirement Community. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., our speaker and welcome introduction will be at 9:30 a.m. and the walk will start at 10 a.m. If you have not participated in the past, you are encouraged to get involved to support a cause that affects so many of the people in our area. If you will not be able to be there, please keep us in your prayers that we will have a successful event. If you would like to learn more about the 2017 Robeson County Walk To End Alzheimer’s, contact me at 910-272-3006 or [email protected].

Amy Hammond

Chairperson

2017 Robeson County Walk To End Alzheimer’s