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In seeking to move forward in the fight to end Alzheimer's, the Walk to End Alzheimer's Disease in 2018 will bring families together in support of this cause.
In its first event, the Walk to End Alzheimer's Disease seeks to bring together a community in support and advocacy. An honorary family is chosen for the event in order to talk to the guests. Anna Woidyla and her family were chosen for this year's walk. Anna, currently in her ninth year at Osakis, is ranked first in the country at the National Conference on Family Leadership and Community Leaders of America. In competition in the Advocacy Junior category, Anna's theme was Defeat Dementia – Motivated, Informed and Involved. She was inspired by her experience of losing her demented grandmother.
Anna's mother, Nancy, said Anna had scored 99.3% in the competition and was very close to her grandmother. "She's just connected with her," Nancy said. Working as a nurse, Nancy is naturally proud of her daughter and her initiative. With dementia on both sides of the family, the Woidyla family is aware of the seriousness of this disease. "It's a global epidemic," said Nancy. "If you have not been affected already, you will be."
"Anna and her family also participated in our advocacy efforts and went to the Capitol with us to propose laws for people with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia and their caregivers, "said Katrice Sisson Minnesota-North Dakota Association, said. "We were inspired by his spirit and his determination to raise awareness and make a difference, especially given his age."
Sisson hopes that members of the surrounding communities will join them for the walk. Sisson said, "We want everyone to join the march. The more people who show their support for this cause, the greater the awareness. "
Alzheimer's disease is just one category of dementia. "Dementia is one of those generic terms that describes all types of memory loss," said Kendra Lund, program manager at the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota. "Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are affecting more and more families. We know this trend will only increase, "said Sisson. "At present, more people are dying from Alzheimer's than breast and prostate cancer combined."
Although the disease affects many people, Sisson sees walking as a way to connect with those affected. "Alzheimer's can be a very insulating journey and you often feel lonely," Sisson said. "It is heartening to see and hear from many other families and community members who share their stories while being connected to vital resources and support." Research and funding are crucial in the fight against disease. Sisson said, "Help us create much needed awareness and fundraising for education, support programs and innovative research."
The walk will take place on Saturday, October 6th. Registration starts at 4pm. The ceremony will be held at 5 pm and the walk will follow immediately. The walk will follow the Central Lakes Trail and will last one to three kilometers. Every walker will have to sign up and sign a standard waiver. However, there is no registration fee to participate. Participants can register for the event or in advance on alz.org/walk. Walking will be in the rain or shine unless extreme weather conditions in which the event will be canceled. For more information, contact the Walk Coordinator, Katrice Sisson, at 320-257-0696 or by email at [email protected], or visit the Walk to End Alzheimer's website: https / act.alz.org / site / SPageServer? Pagename = walk_homepage
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