Annual CT Chapter's Walk to End Alzheimer's was a SUCCESS

The weather cooperated for the thousands of walkers who came out for the Annual CT Chapter's Walk to End Alzheimer's, which celebrated its 25th year, on Sept. 29th at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk.  Laurel Ridge Health Care Center, managed by Athena Health Care, was proud to be the main food sponsor for the event and was also a Statewide sponsor with its sister communities, Northbridge and Maefair, for the fifth year in a row.  It was a true celebration of the many people who recognize that they are not alone in their fight against this fatal disease.  

The Laurel Ridge team knows firsthand about the growing epidemic of Alzheimer's disease and how is the nation's sixth-leading cause of death.  Marianne Haynes, LCSW, Director of Social Services, said, "The Laurel Ridge team was pleased to participate in such a well-attended event that honored our residents, as well as those in the community. It gave us all an opportunity to reflect on the lives that have been impacted with this disease and have a chance to give back and hope for a cure." This progressive and fatal disease, which causes dementia symptoms and memory loss, gradually get worse over a period of time ranging from mild memory loss to later-stages of complete debilitation.  On average, people with Alzheimer's disease may suffer an average of eight years before they are diagnosed; however, many live with this disease for up to four years or as long as 20 years, depending on their age and other health concerns.  

The Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.  Each year, millions of Americans living with the disease, their caregivers, family and friends unite to display their combined strength and dedication to fight this devastating disease.  When it came to the dedication of Laurel Ridge and other volunteers, Tania Paparazzo, MSW, SW Regional Director of the CT Chapter, said, "I don't know if I was more moved by the sea of purple shirts on walkers or by the amazing number of blue and orange volunteer shirts I saw buzzing around to ensure everything ran smoothly! Thank you for all of the time you dedicated to creating a day of memories that our walkers will carry with them for many, many days to come."  

Pictured here is the Laurel Ridge Walk Team, including Bonnie Leavy-Mello, Dir. of Community Outreach, Marianne Haynes, with her husband, Tom Haynes, Joseph Naber, OTR, Dir. of Rehabilitation, Patrizia Havelka, volunteer, Twana Bird, RN, Dir. of Nursing, with her husband, Taderrele, Kelly Cerini, TRD, Dementia Program Coordinator, with her husband Steve Cerini, Hope Ebron, CNA, with her daughter, Anaiah, baby Lily Cerini, and young JT Naber.  

For more information about the Alzheimer's Association, please call the helpline at 800-272-3900.  Fundraising efforts for the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association will continue through the end of December. For more information, visit www.alz.org/ct. If you would like to donate to the cause, please contact Bonnie Leavy-Mello at .

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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