Williamson County Gears Up for Walk to End Alzheimer’s
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas – The community is buzzing with excitement as the Williamson County Alzheimer’s Association prepares for one of its most anticipated events of the year – the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This heartfelt initiative aims not only to raise funds but also to spread awareness about the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Setting the Stage
On a sunny Friday morning, volunteers worked diligently at Southwestern University, setting up vibrant purple tents and arranging paths for the upcoming mile-and-a-half walk. The atmosphere was filled with energy and purpose, as everyone knew how significant this event would be for the community.
A Personal Journey
For many involved, including the event organizer Shannon Eller, the fight against Alzheimer’s is deeply personal. Shannon shared, “Both my great-grandmother and her daughter, my grandmother, had dementia, and my mother is starting to show signs.” As the development manager for the Williamson County Alzheimer’s Association, she feels a strong connection to the cause. She emphasizes the importance of the walk in raising funds for local support groups and contributing to national research aimed at finding a cure.
“It’s scary,” Shannon adds with sincerity. “As of today, we do not have a cure. The best we can hope for is an early diagnosis and starting medication soon enough to keep the disease at bay.” Her words resonate with many who have experienced the impact of Alzheimer’s firsthand.
Community Support
In attendance will be Yoli Campos Smith, a clinical liaison at Astella Home Health and Hospice. Yoli highlights the alarming fact that Williamson County, especially Georgetown, has a significant number of seniors. “These days, we’re seeing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in much younger people,” she explains. The statistics are startling: almost half a million Texans currently live with Alzheimer’s, and the Hispanic community is especially at risk, being 1.5 times more likely to develop the disease.
“By 2060, researchers expect the total number of Latinos who have had it will reach 3.5 million,” Yoli warns. Factors like diabetes and hypertension prevalent in the Hispanic community only exacerbate these risks. Recognizing this, she hopes the walk will encourage local Hispanic community members to engage with the cause, believing that having someone who shares a similar background can foster trust and connection.
Steps Towards a Cure
The walk, she believes, symbolizes a step closer to not just awareness but a tangible goal of ending Alzheimer’s disease. “The more money we raise, the more awareness we create, the closer we are to finding a cure,” Shannon emphasizes. It’s not just about the funds; it’s about the camaraderie, the shared experiences, and the strength in coming together as a community.
How to Participate
The big day is set for Saturday, October 19. Participants can kick off the day with registration starting as early as 7:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 9 a.m.. It’s a great opportunity to join hands with friends, family, and even strangers, united by a common purpose.
As Williamson County gears up for this significant event, the hope is that everyone will come out to support the cause, whether through participation, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. With every step taken, the community moves closer to a future free from Alzheimer’s.
Let’s come together to make a difference!
