September is a busy time for Alzheimer's Associations across Wisconsin and the rest of the U.S. with fundraising walks.
Area chapter spokesperson Diana Butz(butts) says nationally, nearly 600 walks take place this time of year....
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"....we use these events to increase awareness and funding for Alzheimers programs and research. And right here in our chapter area we have 30 walks taking place throughout northern and northeast Wisconsin...."
Butz says they don't charge a registration fee for walkers but they ask the public to make a donation.....
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"...this year our walk shirts are very personal. They include a space where they say "I'm walking for...........and you can write in the name of the person for whom you are walking because to us Alzheimer's Disease is very personal..."
Five million people have the disease today, and by 2050 the number is expected to be 16 million. Butz says each person affected by Alzheimers is usually surrounded by three caregivers....
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".....so when you take the impact of the person with the disease, plus the caregiver who may have to quit a job or go part-time, or perhaps they have to find a different living facility for the person with the disease, the economic burden is going to be astronomical for our country..."
Butz says to get more information, go to the Alzheimer's Association website and click on "Wisconsin". A walk is scheduled for the Rouman Cinema in Rhinelander on September 21. Phillips is also hosting a walk that day at Club 13.
