Alzheimer's disease: Local event raises money for research, awareness and patient care

Frontiersman staff

PALMER -- The Alaska State Fairgrounds will be bustling with activity again this weekend, but the smell of fair food and the sounds of amusement-park rides won't be there.

Tomorrow, the Valley Walk for Alzheimer's gets started on the fairgrounds.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. for the event, which helps raise money for outreach, education and assistance.

There is a 10-percent chance people ages 65 and older will get Alzheimer's disease, and that number jumps to 50 percent in people ages 85 and older. In Alaska, it is estimated the disease and related disorders affect more than 4,000 people.

There is a suggested donation of at least $10 from each registered walker. Individuals, as well as walk teams, who raise the most money are eligible for prizes, based on donations. There are also incentive awards and door prizes for all registered walkers.

Grand prizes include two round-trip tickets on Alaska Airlines, two round-trip tickets on Hawaiian Vacations, and a Resurrection Bay dinner for two.

People are encouraged to bring pictures and other remembrances for the memory wall, which commemorates those who have died from the disease.

People may also place a marker at the base of this year's addition to the perennial garden on the fairgrounds, in memory of their loved ones.

Each year, the walk celebrates older residents who are living without the disease.

This year, there are five honorary chairpeople of the Valley Walk for Alzheimer's -- Francis Broderick, Mabel White, Julia Church, Paul Nelson and Vanita Kronquest.

For more information, interested people may contact Felicia at 357-0414.