The Pennyrile Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place Saturday morning and it was a large crowd of participants that are looking to raise money to fight back against the disease.
Teams and community members gathered at the Christian County Justice Center, but before they did their walk, an emotional ceremony was held at the steps. Most folks had a flower—a pinwheel sporting different colored petals—and each color represented different aspects of the fight against dementia and Alzheimer’s. Orange represented supporters of the fight, yellow the caregivers of those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, blue for those currently fighting the disease and purple—for those who have lost someone to Alzheimer’s.
There was only one white flower however, and that flower represents the hope that one day, someone will be able to hold that flower as a sign that they have been cured of the disease.
In the meantime, fundraising efforts continue through events such as the Pennyrile Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and on Saturday morning, it was announced that they have raised $40,000 of their $60,000 goal. And it’s not too late to give, with Jake Williams of Edward Jones, the title sponsor of the national effort, saying they’re dedicated to the cause.
You can donate easily by texting 2ENDALZ to 51555.
Executive Director Shannon White was on hand to present medals to their ‘champions’, individuals who have raised a hefty chunk of funds on their own, and the Elite Grand Champion medal was placed on Alan Toliver, who was the chair person for this year’s Walk.
She thanked everyone for their efforts and urged more people to become involved in the Walk and the Alzheimer’s Association of the Pennyrile.
Attendees then took the sidewalks, dressed in purple and carrying signs and flowers, all in the hope of raising awareness and raising funds to one day stop the loss of life and loved ones caused by Alzheimer’s.