GREENVILLE’S SATURDAY OCT. 18TH
Saturday was my first experience with an Alzheimer’s Walk and it was so amazing and inspiring. The one I have been fundraising for (driving everyone crazy on Facebook and Twitter for) will be this coming Saturday Oct.18th in Greenville, SC. My husband and I decided to volunteer at another one to help out and show our support for the Alzheimer’s Association.
We started off early 8 a.m. my husband parked cars, and I worked the advocacy booth having people fill out a form to our state’s politicians requesting more money for Alzheimer’s. This was a wonderful experience where I met some really great people and made some new friends too! I heard my new friend Lucien say, when someone commented they didn’t like one of the politicians, “IT’S NOT A RED THING, IT’S A NOT A BLUE THING IT’S A PURPLE THING. WHEN YOU MIX RED AND BLUE WHAT DO YOU GET?…PURPLE”. This stuck with me. Lucien lost his uncle who raised him and then a couple of years ago he also lost his wife to Alzheimer’s when she was only 49. He comes every year.
I actually had another post scheduled for today but changed my mind because yesterday just inspired me. To see so many people come together for such a great cause. We were only supposed to work the booth and park but we ended up walking the walk too. It was just such a happy and fun event. When you think of Alzheimer’s it is so sad but yesterday was a celebration. A celebration of the money being raised. The hope people have that this money will make great strides in Alzheimer research and treatment. There was one thing that inspired me the most.
I have to say this. My husband and I both commented on it. The high school and college students that we saw yesterday (the walk was held on the WOFFORD COLLEGE campus) working and walking was nothing short of amazing. They were there early setting up booths, running our errands, looking for supplies like strip ties and duct tape, walking around the crowd getting more of these forms filled out and just generally working their butts off at 8 until noon on a Saturday. It literally brought tears to my eyes. We don’t often think of kids when we think Alzheimer’s, right? Those kids are the nephews, nieces, grandchildren or some even children of patients with Alzheimer’s. I heard so many stories from these kids, my grandma used to do this…, my grandpa once did that…They care, they got out and they showed us they care and they want to make a difference. This is what inspired me. These teens and 20 somethings. It was such a happy day.
My only regret is that I didn’t bring momma with me. I knew hubby and I were working in 2 different areas and having never attended one I decided it would be best. I believe she would have loved it and I am looking forward to walking with her on Saturday.
If you would like to make a small donation to our team we are still short on our goal. This week, since mom has met her goal I am going to ask a special favor that when you go to act.alz.org/goto/TDAC you will click on the name Patrick. He is substituting for my daughter because when we signed up she wasn’t pregnant with twins. He hasn’t had any donations made in his name and it is making him feel unloved!
Remember to:
Appreciate the good, laugh at the crazy, and deal with rest.
I love you momma!
Glad to hear that the walk was a success. Maybe next time you can bring your mom if you and your husband end up in the same area.
Yes, the walk we are fundraising for isn’t unitl this Saturday and she will definitely be with us walking right along beside of us! We are walking and not volunteering this week!
How awesome, Rena. I used to do and help out with the MS Walk every year – me, family and friends. It feels good. Now I’d like to try and walk other events as well. We are all in this life together. I love the part about the youngsters. Inspiring!
Thanks Cathy, I am going to try the Arthritis Walk next year along with this one. If I am healthier enough to do the two. I have to admit I spend yesterday on the couch but that’s okay. We have our walk this weekend and then that is it for the year. Then I will be concentrating on babies! I am going to start a special series on caregivers next month for National Caregivers Month!
I am glad you enjoyed the event. These events really help to connect people that are going through the same thing as well as promote awareness.
That’s so true Jennifer! Looking forward to our walk this weekend!
That sounds like it was an awesome event! And so great that the kids got into it, as well!
It was and hopefully we will get the same weather this weekend that we had last weekend!
Go YOU! This is awesome, sister.
Thanks Michelle! One more week of walks then I’m headed your way for my daughter’s babyshower! Then rest…much rest!
These kinds of events are always such an inspiration and help you feel like you’re not alone! Can’t wait to hear how your walk goes next weekend.
Thanks Lana, I’m really looking forward to it. I just checked the weather and it’s supposed to be 75 and sunny!
Oh wow how amazing all those people getting together to try and help such a fantastic cause. x
It was amazing Sarah. Being my first one I had no idea how many people would turn out. I was happily surprised!
Wonderful! Thanks for doing all you do for all of us touched by this disease.
What a really nice thing to say Haralee! I really enjoyed it. It was so nice to get out and see real people first of all and people I had so much in common with on top of it all!
What a great cause. We always do the autism walks for my kiddo and we’ve done the cancer walk too.
Those are also great causes Nicole! I wish I could walk for all of those too! I may add a few more next year just have to see how it all plays out! I know I will do this walk again next year for sure!
This is a great advocacy, Rena, and I loved that ‘purple’ point! SOOO true! Thanks for sharing this and for promoting the fund raising efforts. There’s much about AD that is yet to be understood and research needs all the help it can get!
Thank you Joy! I really loved Lucien’s saying too! He was an amazing man who has lived through many heartbreaks.
Events like this are such great ways to increase awareness. It’s always amazing to see how many people come out and support a good cause.
I was happily surprised at how many people came especially the high school and college kids.
You’re doing a great job helping to bring awareness to Alzheimers. I can’t wait to hear how your walk goes this weekend.
Thanks so much Erica!
I love that so much awareness is being raised about this condition. A friend has a parent going through this and it is heartbreaking.
It is, I watch mom sink a little further every day while I try to through in as many life preserves as I can find. Somedays they work somedays they don’t.
Looks like a lovely day. What a great campaign to raise awareness.
Thanks Krystal
I’m glad to hear that the walk went so well. There is an Alzheimer’s walk near us and I have never been, but have friends that go every year.
This is definitely going to be an annual event for us!
That’s awesome! I love to see and hear about young teens being responsible and caring.
I was so surprised my husband and I both were amazed. It was lovely to see. We hear the bad things but something like this was very beautiful to witness, their parents should be so proud.
I bet it was an amazing moment. Hoping you get to take your mom on your next walk! Cheers!
Thanks Marielle! Mom will definitely be walking this Saturday. I only left her home because I wasn’t a registered walker here I was there to volunteer to set stuff up, tear it down etc. I ended up working the advocacy booth. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to watch her well enough.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed your first experience, now that you know what to expect. You’ll be able to bring your mother without reservation..
Exactly JJ! It’s always scaring going somewhere unknown with her because we never know how she will react. She sometimes gets upset about seeing Alzheimer’s stuff. It’s something we don’t talk about much around here. What’s the point in upsetting her. We’ll see!
Sounds like the walk was a great success. Kudos to you and your husband for volunteering at such an important fundraiser.
Thanks Ann but it seemed more like a celebration instead of work. I loved it and we both made several new friends. Which living in a new place was so welcome!
Sounds like such an inspiring event, and I bet this weekend’s will be totally amazing since your mom will be walking with you. Can’t wait to read about it.
Thanks so much Lois! I can’t wait either she is getting so excited!
sounds like the walk was a great success. There was quite a turn out
Yes there was, thank you Veronica.
Very inspiring to hear that young and old all came out to help! Wishing you a huge turnout for this Saturday’s event!
Thanks so much Theresa!
I’m glad the walk was successful! My great grandmother had Alzheimer’s. What a horrible disease!!
Thanks Amber yes it is horrible. Hopefully they will find a cure or at least a good treatment!
Awesome! Well done!
Thanks so much!
Hi Rena! You’re right! This sort of advocacy is such a positive way to address such a sad condition. And getting people involved in something that is fun AND healthy (like a walk) is positive in so many ways. You’re happiness about participating AND volunteering is evident in your words. Good for you all! ~Kathy
Thanks Kathy it is definitely something that I will be doing annually now!
The efforts of your family for Alzheimers are commendable, Rena! Thanks for sharing this great post – it really points out that volunteering can be a very inspiring thing to do! Hope the weather is wonderful for your walk!
Thanks so much Susan! I came away from it all Saturday feeling so inspired. I checked the weather this morning and it is supposed to be 75 and sunny which is perfect. Yesterday it was 60 with tornado warnings!
Glad to hear it was a success. My grandparents both suffered with Alzheimer’s.
Thanks Jennifer!
I’m glad it went so well. I hope your walk w/your mom goes well on Saturday, and that she does love it. 🙂
Thanks so much Rosey!
What a great way to turn a negative into a positive. Sounds like a great group of people were there. So wonderful that you were able to help and enjoy the walk as well.
Thanks Kristen it was really alot of fun!
I have been wanting to do an alzheimers walk myself. I think I might look for one in my area and join it.
Great idea Danielle, you can go to alz.org and find one in your area!
Excellent post, Rena! Almost like a dress rehearsal . . . Looking forward to your walk next week!
Exactly Diane a great description!
I need to do a post for this walk! I participated with my coworkers this past Saturday 🙂
Great idea Annie! The more the merrier!
I am doing a walk with my bestie for this and I’m so happy to be involved. I’m glad your mom will be there with you for yours!
Thanks Liz and may you have a warm (but not to warm) and beautifully sunny day for your walk! Nothing better than doing something with your bestie!
I’m glad to hear the walk was such a success. My hubs grandma just lost her battle to Alzheimer a few weeks ago. Such a sad thing.
I’m so sorry to hear that Chrystal. It’s hard to lose anyone but to this disease it is almost unbearable. Saying a prayer for your family.
It is great that you had a good time while raising awareness and money for a good cause. I hope this next one goes well too.
Thanks so much Pam!
I think my favorite part of the walk, are the speeches before it starts. Brings tears to my eyes every year!
I couldn’t hear them very well from where I was at this past weekend. I was in the advocacy booth but I plan to listen this weekend!
What an awesome cause. I will have to say that I have never known anyone with alzheimers but I think this is the sadest disease. Thank you for raising awareness.
Thank you so much Melissa. I hope you go your whole life without every knowing anyone who is going through it!
Thanks for bringing some awareness to this disease. My kids grandmother actually suffers from it and I feel so sad for her at times.
Thanks so much Amanda! It’s a very sad disease.
Tons of great events to help the cause. I like that you can showcase them so well.
Thank you so much Amanda!
What an amazing event, and what an amazing achievement for you and your husband – well done!
A fantastic cause to support xx
Thanks so much Viccy!
What you did is wonderful, Rena!!
I love these types of events. They get people moving and raise awareness! Congrats on a successful walk!
Thanks Ashley! We were so pumped up when we left and we have another one coming up on Saturday!
This is wonderful. You probably made the right decision since you were insure what to expect. Next year your mom can attend with you.
Thanks so much for commenting Alice! Yes, we will definitely all be walking the Spartanburg walk TOGETHER next year and on Saturday we are all taking part in the Greenville WALK so we are looking forward to that. I hope she enjoys it as much as we did!