Forum Photos by Michael V. Cusenza
Fueled by an invigorating end-of-summer breeze and a palpable sense of purpose, nearly 1,000 people last weekend participated in the two-mile Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the event, organized by the Alzheimer’s Association, raised more than $140,000 for research of the disease, and support and care for the afflicted and their caregivers. Two teams raised more than $10,000 each.
“Alzheimer’s is relentless, but so are we,” said Jed Levine, Alzheimer’s Association executive vice president and director of Programs and Services. “We must put a stop to the global epidemic. And I can tell, by looking out into this crowd, that I’m not the only one who wants to end this disease.”
Kristin Sainato, volunteer co-chairwoman of the Queens Walk Committee, said, “I don’t want other people and families with this disease to endure this alone.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the large nonprofit organization’s national signature event that brings together family, friends, caregivers and concerned community members who want to make a difference. Since 1989, the Walk has raised more than $300 million to help advance research and support for those battling Alzheimer’s disease.
The four city Walks (Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan) annually raise more than $1 million for the cause.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It’s the most common cause of dementia — a group of brain disorders that result in the loss of intellectual and social skills. The changes are severe enough to interfere with day-to-day life.
Current Alzheimer’s medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms. This can sometimes help people afflicted with the disease maximize function and maintain independence.
However, there is no cure.
By Michael V. Cusenza
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com