Walk raises funds for Alzheimer's research

The annual Southeast Missouri Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk '09 was held Saturday at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau. The event, now in its 12th year, raises money for research of the treatment and cure of Alzheimer's disease.

In the past two years there was rain on the day of the event, so organizers and walkers were glad to see the sun. Alzheimer's Association liaison and event organizer Lisa Hicks said though the attendance was down from previous years, donations were coming in steadily, with more than $33,000 being raised before the event began Saturday morning.

The Kids' Fun Run was a new event this year. Children ages 4 to 12 were divided into thee age groups to participate. The $10 registration fee benefited the Memory Walk, and each child received a participation ribbon and a T-shirt. There was also a Kids Zone, where children could participate in activities and have their faces painted.

The Memory Walk not only raises money for research, but it is also a chance for those people with family or friends affected by the disease to remember those past and to celebrate the lives of those who are currently dealing with Alzheimer's. Dolly Jewel, whose husband passed away from Alzheimer's 12 years ago, at the advent of the Memory Walk, said she was there with her friends to walk in his memory. Attending every walk since her husband's death has been a way for her to celebrate his memory and see there are a lot of people who care and want to see a cure soon.

Not only the walkers raised money. Many sponsors were on hand providing food and drink for the attendees as well as door prizes that were given away after the walk. Hicks said that this year there were enough sponsors that every child who attended got a door prize as well. Sponsors also offered services like the $1-per-minute massages available at the Pursley Chiropractic booth.

"Our goal for the Memory Walk is $65,000, and we stress that people can still donate through mid-December," Hicks said.

To donate, contact Hicks at 573-703-1573.