Like many Hoosiers, Annie Robinson will join the walk of the Greater Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in part to show support for members of her own family.
“It wasn’t discussed in my family, but when carrying on conversations with certain family members, I couldn’t figure out what was happening,” said Robinson. “Later on my aunt shared what was going on.”
Robinson, along with thousands of others, plan to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Military Park on Oct. 12.
The walk held in Indianapolis was named the Top 30 Walk by the Alzheimer’s Association and organizers say they hope this year’s attendance will set a record. Registration begins at noon, the ceremony at 1 p.m. and the walk starts at 1:30 p.m.
“This is our biggest year yet because there is much more concern about Alzheimer’s in the community. More people are concerned about this health crisis, which leads to more people participating,” said Amber Michel, event coordinator.
The disease affects more than 5 million Americans, including 120,000 Hoosiers. Of that number, almost two-thirds of those affected are women, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The number of African-Americans with the disease have spiked at an alarming rate over the past couple of years with two-thirds more likely to develop late on-set Alzheimer’s disease than their white counterparts.
She said it’s painful to see those afflicted with the disorder struggle to maintain their former routine, unaware of the way it is robbing them of their cognitive abilities.
Robinson organized a similar walk with the Prince Hall Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, and to date said she has helped raise more than $1,800 for Alzheimer’s disease.
There are 12 walks across Indiana and over 600 across the country. A portion of the funds raised here remain in Indiana to provide services and programs to the community such as one-on-one care consultations, support groups and educational programs. The remaining funds are given toward research.
There are two different routes for participants, a one-mile and three mile, which trails the scenic Canal Walk in downtown Indianapolis.
“Some people bring their families and strollers who will usually complete the one mile, but we also have elderly people as well who may complete the short route,” said Michel.
A portion of the ceremony will highlight some of the reasons why each participant walks, and another will welcome a family who will share their own experience with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Everyone is impacted by Alzheimer’s in some way, we may not talk about it but it’s there,” said Robinson. “I hate that it is hitting our race because it’s startling, but at least I can be a voice.”
For more information, visit alz.org.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Oct. 12
Military Park,
601 W. New York St.
Registration: Noon
Ceremony: 1 p.m.
Walk: 1:30 p.m.
