Fund-raisers create renewed sense of purpose

    People of all ages participated -- friends, families, businesses’ teams and volunteers. They walked and donated for one purpose: to create a world without Alzheimer’s. They came to support the cause, but it was more than that, it was a feeling of community, of friendship, of passion as Mike Montecalvo read the stories of sufferers and caregivers during the promise garden ceremony. Montecalvo, a Channel 12 news anchor, saw firsthand the devastating effects of the disease when a relative had Alzheimer’s.
    John Rok, associate professor of religious and theological studies at Salve Regina University and honorary chair for the Newport walk, said that 17 years ago he could only “imagine” that someday this many people would be gathered at Salve Regina University for the walk.
    Almost 2,000 people gathered in Pawtucket and Newport to take part in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. We had more people than ever, which is a testament that the disease is not going away and that this fight is not over.
    We have a re-energized commitment to make battling Alzheimer’s a priority for our 25,000 Rhode Islanders with the disease and the 100,000 caregivers who support them.
    We thank you for your dedication and generosity. The proceeds from the walk will enhance care and support through services such as our 24/7 helpline, support groups, educational programs, Live & Learn Program for persons with early memory loss and research. Our fund-raising efforts must continue; more must be done to support our families and the important research that is being done by our national office. On Oct. 2 we walked, but we have not reached our goal to support and build hope for those who are fighting the disease.
    You can help the Alzheimer’s Association reach the monetary goal of the walk by the end of December by making a donation or holding a fund-raiser. With your assistance, we will exceed our goal.

    Camilla Farrell is development director of the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter in Providence. She can be reached at (401) 421-0008 or camilla.farrell@alz.org.