Community Involvement and Walking to End Alzheimer's

Click on any image from the 2024 Walk above to view in the SCU Lightbox

​There is always light if only we're  brave enough to see it, if only we're brave enough to be it.
Author Unknown

by Skip Cohen

Lately, at least a few times a month, I've been writing about Alzheimer's. We all have causes we believe in, and the battle with Alzheimer's, having lost my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to the disease, is near and dear to me. 

Tomorrow is the annual Alzheimer's Walk here in Sarasota, and along with thousands of other supporters, Sheila and I will be there, along with the pups. And yesterday, on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association, I addressed the annual legislative delegates for Sarasota County regarding three related programs they're hoping to continue and expand in the community.

From my presentation yesterday:

Many of you have been touched by the realities of Alzheimer's and dementia. Over 580,000 Floridians are living with Alzheimer's disease, including an estimated  20,200 here in Sarasota County, which equates to over 12 percent of our 65 and over population.

Florida has proven to be a leader in dementia care and support. With our aging population, we must maintain this momentum. I am proud to advocate alongside the Alzheimer's Association. With your support, we remain optimistic as we propose our 2026 legislative priorities...

I went on to talk about a public awareness campaign, increased support for caregivers, and the Azheimer's Brain Bus which has traveled to all 67 counties in Florida each year.

While my short presentation was obviously Florida-centric, the number of people with Alzheimer's is global and continues to grow. "In the US, an estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's disease, a number projected to grow significantly by 2060. Alzheimer's is the leading cause of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of all cases, with prevalence increasing with age, especially after 65. The disease also poses a substantial global burden, affecting tens of millions of people and costing the economy trillions of dollars annually."  

Whatever nonprofit is your focus, remember that people like to purchase products from companies they perceive as giving back to the community. Combine the importance of building brand awareness for your business with programs that make your heart soar, and you've got the perfect combination to give back. You're looking for your community to be good to you...so you better make sure you're being good to your community.

In my case, I'm not a working photographer, and at this point in my career, I'm no longer very focused on building my brand. Our involvement is about trying to pay it forward and give back to a community that helped us so much, when my mother was in the heat of battle with Alzheimer's. Starting with the Senior Friendship Center's Caregiver Resource Center, so many people helped us keep our sanity and, in turn, helped my mother throughout her journey.

And if you're interested in participating in the Alzheimer's walks, there are over 600 nationwide. Just click on the banner below.

TGIF everybody - wishing everybody a terrific weekend with time to appreciate those people you love the most!

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