June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month and a time to raise awareness for more than 5 million Americans living with this disease. The Alzheimer’s Association raises awareness for individuals living in Washington state through events like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This incredible event includes participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease to create a world without Alzheimer’s by supporting care, research and resources for our community.

When I participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event for the first time, it was not quite a year after my mom passed from this disease. I was immediately impressed by the number of people participating and the level of enthusiasm that they had for this cause. So many of us are touched by this disease and this is one reason I volunteer as a Walk planning committee member, and why I’m pleased to announce a challenge match of $30,000 available this June to support our state’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraising. You can join me, and double your impact by donating $100 or more to our local Walk to End Alzheimer’s before June 16. You can donate to any of the teams associated with the 16 walks held in Washington this year; many, like my team (My Sunshine), have a very personal connection to the cause. Please consider donating and even creating your own team to help us in this fight.

Participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event is very simple and helps people all over Washington state facing Alzheimer’s and dementia. During my mother’s journey with Alzheimer’s our family benefited from educational information and support provided by the Alzheimer’s Association. And as an advocate and volunteer since then I’ve become more involved in helping them in their fight against this disease. That first survivor is out there. We just need to work together to continue raising funds for support for those who have Alzheimer’s now and also to provide funds for research that will hopefully provide this generation or the next with the weapons and tools needed to finally beat this disease.

To learn more and support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s visit alzwa.org today or call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900.

Karen Marez

Bonney Lake