Walking with purpose
Teams started raising money in preparation of Greene County’s fifth annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
The walk, which will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at Wana B Park near Carmichaels, raises awareness and money for the Alzheimer’s Association, according to Melissa Cuppett, chairwoman for the walk.
“I feel like almost everybody knows somebody who’s been affected by this disease,” she said. “Many of us have a loved one with Alzheimer’s and walking is just one way to show your support.”
So far this year, the 11 teams and 117 participants started raising money for the walk. Together, they’ve raised about $17,000. Their goal is $54,000, so they’re currently about one-third of the way there, Cuppett said.
“We could use as many teams as we can get,” she said.
Last year, the walk had about 200 people in 25 teams who raised about $52,000, she said.
Amy Myers, a committee member for the walk, said two of the teams raised money each year for the past three years and “have consistently placed in the top 10 fundraising teams in Pennsylvania.”
Myers’ family, from Carmichaels, represents one of those teams, “Nanny’s Team,” to show support for their mother and grandmother who suffers from Alzheimer’s. That team consists of about 100 people who raise close to $20,000 each year, Cuppett said.
The other team in the state’s top 10 fundraising groups for Alzheimer’s is Cuppett’s family team, “Mae We Find a Cure.” Cuppett’s grandmother, Mae, also suffers from the disease. Cuppett’s team consists of about 30 people, and they typically raise about $10,000 each year.
“It’s just impressive, considering the economic problems we’re currently facing, for Greene County to raise that kind of money,” she said.
Cuppett said there will be an early registration from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 21 at Carmichaels-Cumberland fire hall. The walk is free, but donations are welcome. People can also register the day of the walk at 9 a.m.
Individuals who raise $100 or more will get a T-shirt, Cuppett said.
In addition to setting up a team the day of the walk, people can organize one online at act.alz.org.