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Memory Walk organizers begin work on fundraiser
Bruce Matlock photo
Becca Carpenter, associate development director of The Alzheirmer’s Association of Western North Carolina, speaks to a group of volunteers Thursday in Troutman.
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Published: July 10, 2009
The Iredell County Memory Walk Committee took the first step in its journey to raise money for Alzheimer's care, support and research on Thursday.
The annual walk isn't until Oct. 10, but organizers gathered at the Depot to start emphasizing the importance of the event and early fundraising.
"I thought we really stunned the Alzheimer's Association last year," co-chairman Ron Reding said during the rally. "This event makes the difference in the lives of many and all of you are a part of that."
Someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease every 70 seconds, said Becca Carpenter, associate development director for Alzheimer's Association Western Carolina Chapter.
The far-reaching effects of the degenerative disease weren't lost on the committee members who had friends, family and, in many cases, patients who had suffered from the disease.
Troutman Curves owner Darlene Mayfield's mother passed away after battling Alzheimer's disease.
An only child, Mayfield said there were times when her mother thought she was a niece or her granddaughter.
"It's a very near thing to me," she said. "It robs you of a person twice."
Mayfield's team, with the help of her customers, raised a little more than $2,000 for the last walk. She hopes to double that figure this year.
The 2008 walk was the first time Statesville and Mooresville merged their annual Memory Walk. It exceeded fundraisers expectations, raising $17,000 for the Alzheimer's Association.
This year, the committee is aiming for $25,000, co-chairman Stuart Madow said. Around 35 to 40 teams signed up last year.
"This one gets bigger and bigger," said Carpenter, who referred to the 550 Memory Walks nationwide as a vehicle to move from the cause to the cure.
Community Home Care and Hospice Patient Care Coordinator Crystal Page said even though her grandmother died from the disease, she didn't realize how prominent Alzheimer's disease was until she started working in home care.
The disease takes a toll on families, and nurses and doctors do what they can to help them understand the disease.
"With diabetes, you can see a cause, and you can see a treatment," she said.
In order to set up a team or get more information about fundraising, contact Madow at (704) 799-0655, Reding at (704) 500-5485 or Carpenter at (704) 532-7373.
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