My 4th Orlando Walk to End Alzheimers
The morning of Saturday, October 24th was the Orlando Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Although the 2020 walk was unique because it was virtual, there were a lot of purple supporters throughout the area. On social media it was comforting to see photographs of individuals walking in their neighborhoods, parks or even beaches.
I opted to walk alone because of the Covid pandemic, and I live with my mom so I have to be extra cautious. As I walked around Lake Eola, I randomly met supporters all masked up proudly wearing their purple shirts advocating for this cause. This was my fourth year participating as Team Captain of my team, and first year as Event Co-Chair for the Orlando Walk to End Alzheimer’s. It was a challenging year to be in this role with covid and the economic challenges individuals and businesses encountered; however, the Orlando metro area still attracted 814 participants, 169 teams, and raised over $180,000 with funds still trickling in until December 31st.
The Alzheimer’s Walks across the country are the biggest grassroots awareness events, and that is why I walk. When my mom was diagnosed several years ago, I somehow have managed to take care of her and stay sane, and continue to do so. I never imagined or understood how situations can change literally hour to hour, and now it is starting to take a slight toll on me. This year in particular has been draining because my mom’s health situations vary like the seasons. Working remotely has been a blessing in disguise, so I can be much more proactive with her care and strive for progress (baby steps). Furthermore, being a caregiver the finances suddenly chip away, and my savings are slowly starting to dwindle. I hear stories of caregivers having to quit their jobs to take care of their loved ones, and just cannot fathom myself in that situation. I do not know how they survive. I live and breathe these challenges everyday, and that is why I somehow garner the extra energy to advocate for this cause.
With more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, 16 million Americans providing unpaid care for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia’s and knowing that 50% of primary care physicians believe the medical profession is not ready for this explosive growth – my advocacy journey will continue. I cannot sit back and watch this figures slowly creep up. I hope you will join me in 2021 for my 5th Walk journey!