On Saturday October 26th, a group of 12 MSA employees, family members, and furry friends took part in the Hickory Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This is the fifth year in a row that MSA employees participated in the event that took place at the L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s event is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide. It is one of the largest events to raise funds, support, awareness and research for Alzheimer’s care.
Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic, that affects millions each year. Many of the MSA employees have been directly affected or know someone who has been affected by this horrible disease. By participating in this event it helps to raise awareness and also allows us to contribute to the cause along with the community.
If you are passionate about wanting to put an end to the Alzheimer’s disease, or you would like to get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, please reach out to your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s Planning Committee. The Committee meets once a month to talk and plan each year’s walk.
The following facts come from the Alzheimer’s website:
– Two thirds of Americans with the disease are women.
– More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease.
– Alzheimer’s disease kills more individuals than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined.
– One in three seniors dies with the disease or some other dementia.
– In 2019, the disease will cost the United States $290 billion with the expectation for this to rise to more than $1.1 trillion in 2050.
– In the United States, someone develops Alzheimer’s every 67 seconds.
– Between 2000 to 2017 deaths have increased by 145%.
Each participate that took part in the walk has the chance to get a flower to carry while they walk, each color has a different meaning. Many walking did so to honor the loved ones going through it, or they have lost loved ones to this disease. others walk to support the cause and for hope that one day we can live in a world without the Alzheimer’s disease.
Submitted by: Amanda Linder