Thanks for support of Alzheimer's walk

I was truly inspired by all the people who participated in 2011 Cape Girardeau Walk to End Alzheimer's. I would like to thank the more than 500 people from Southeast Missouri who united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. Participants raised more than $74,000 to provide much needed care and support to local families affected by the disease as well as fund critically needed Alzheimer's research.

Walk to End Alzheimer's participants did more than complete the three-mile walk. They learned more about Alzheimer's disease, signed up to participate in advocacy initiatives, enrolled in clinical trials and discovered what programs and services the Alzheimer's Association has available in the community. Each walker also joined in a meaningful tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Thank you to all of our participants, volunteers, sponsors, donors and the entire community for working toward a world without Alzheimer's disease. We appreciate all of our generous sponsors, including our Promise Garden Sponsor: Midwest Neurosurgeons; Gold sponsors: Senior Lifestyles, SoutheastHEALTH and Bits of Heaven In Home Service; Silver sponsors: Four Oaks Hospice, Phelps In Home Care, Midwest Family Care; Bronze sponsors: Drury Hotels, Sikeston Memorial Park, Artisan Contracting, Ferguson Medical Group, Dexter Elks Auxiliary, Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Missouri, and Americare -- Auburn Creek & Arbors.

Our top fundraising team was Phelps' Right Hands from Advance, Mo., raising $7,545 with various events in the community. Allie St. Mary from New Madrid was our top individual fundraiser with $4,070 in collections. What an amazing effort by everyone involved. Together, we can help stop the sixth leading cause of death in this country. For more information on programs and services or to make a donation, visit alz.org/stl or call 1-800-272-3900.

Teresa Birk, of Cape Girardeau, is the outreach coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association's St. Louis chapter.