200 attend Alzheimer’s walk

Many fundraising events begin with celebration and looking to the future. \nSunday’s Memory Walk for Alzheimer’s disease gave patients, families and caregivers a chance to recognize and remember the impacts the disease has on all aspects of life.\nThe Greater Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association took steps to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease by sponsoring Bloomington’s fourth Memory Walk at Bryan Park, at 1001 S. Henderson St.\nAbout 200 people participated in Sunday’s event, which was a great turnout despite the heat, said Cathy Boyer, associate director of special events for the association. \nThis year’s walk raised about $32,000, including all donations from pre-registered walkers, participants that registered at the event and corporate sponsors.\nLast year, 100 more people participated in the walk, and walk participants and teams raised almost $29,000, not including sponsors.\n“Bloomington is definitely one of the top (Memory Walks) as far as raising funds if you look at the size of the community,” Boyer said.\nThis fall, eight Memory Walks have taken place across the state, and the organization will hold three more before the end of the season. The seven walks in September were successful, Boyer said.\n“We have not completely made all our goals, but overall, we have definitely had a good year and definitely good turnouts, and they are growing, which is a positive for us,” she said.\nThe Indiana Chapter set a statewide goal to raise $1 million from the walks, Boyer said, and they’re 50 percent of the way there.\n“The Indianapolis Memory Walk usually brings in $300,000 alone, and yes, we definitely think it’s feasible,” Boyer said.\nAll the donated funds work to support the 73 chapters in the state, aiding the programs and services the association provides and also financially supporting Alzheimer’s research. \nAnnette Martin, the community services liaison for the 10 counties around the Bloomington area, said she feels a natural fit working with Memory Walks because her mother has Alzheimer’s. Martin also has a background in non-profit organizations.\n“People need support, people need education and people need to know they’re not alone,” she said.\nThe team Walking for Waneta came in third place in fundraising for the second year in a row, raising $1,700 for the event. Sharon McCann and four generations of her family walked for the team. McCann said this was her fourth year.