PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Thousands of people came out Saturday to show their support for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
A Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place Saturday morning with an opening ceremony at 10:45 a.m. near Citizens Bank Park.
Participants walked for two miles, and many dressed in purple or held different colored “Promise Garden” flowers that represent their connection to the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association said it raised $1.17 million towards its goal of $1.65 million for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Lisa Johnson, 42, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, said she attended the event because of her grandmother, Mary Lou. She helps take care of the 99-year-old, who suffers from dementia.
Johnson helps to take care of her 99-year-old grandmother, Mary Lou, who suffers from dementia.
“Each day, you can see a little bit more is being lost,” she said.
Johnson’s grandmother relies on routine to get through each day, like getting up at the same time each morning and eating the same foods.
She described the disease as almost losing your loved one before physically losing your loved one.
Along with looking after her grandmother, Johnson is a nurse at Mercy LIFE West Philadelphia. She works with the elderly, many of whom have memory care challenges. She got involved with the walk not only to help raise funds for research, but for the resources made available for the caregivers.
“Caregiver burnout is a real thing,” Johnson said.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there were approximately 28,000 Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2000. By 2025, the Association projects there will be about a 14% increase in affected individuals.