Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® raises more than $34,000 in Ithaca/Cortland
Family Team from Newfield Earns Top Fundraising Team at St. Lawrence Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Nearly 400 residents from across Tompkins and Cortland counties joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s presented by Cayuga Medical Center in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease on Sunday at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Participants raised $34,015 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.
“We are grateful for how the Ithaca and Cortland communities unite to fight this disease,” said Catherine James, Chief Executive Officer for the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter. “This year’s Walk was another example of their efforts.”
The top individual fundraiser at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s was Robin Ingles of Pennellville, who raised $1,901. Bert’s Buddies was the top fundraising team at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising more than $4,400. Bert’s Buddies is a family and friends team from Newfield, formed in memory of Bert White. White was a former teacher and school administrator in Candor. His daughter, Lori, is the team captain.
Participants enjoyed a two-mile walk through the tree-lined campus at Tompkins Cortland Community College, learned about Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, clinical trial and advocacy opportunities and engaged with corporate sponsors. They took part in an opening ceremony where they renewed their commitment to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and heard from guest speaker Dan Camp, who talked his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and how his life changed as a result. Camp, who lives in Cortland, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease in April at age 60. He talked about having to move in with his parents, the care his family provides, and coping with the disease.
“My ability to find humor is what helps me get through some of the tougher times,” Camp said. “That and pickleball. With this fast paced game, I am trying to focus on the things I can still do. Even though the ladies still beat me, I have a great time playing. I may not be able to remember the numbers by the end of a round, but thankfully I have a supportive group of friends around me who fill in those numbers for me.”
A Facebook Live video of the opening ceremony, including Camp’s remarks, is available below.
In New York State alone, there are 400,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than one million unpaid caregivers. In the United States, 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 16 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Donations to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s may be made through October 31 at alz.org/walk. Cayuga Medical Center was the local presenting sponsor for the 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Ithaca/Cortland, NY. Edward Jones is the national presenting sponsor for Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Centers Health Care is the New York Statewide Sponsor for the event.
