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| Walk day with Papa's Team. |
Two Sundays ago -- Grandparents Day -- the Portland Alzheimer's Association hosted their annual Walk to End Alzheimer's.
As you may know, for the second straight year, I organized a team in memory of Papa -- my grandpa -- who we lost in 2009 to Alzheimer's after a 12 year bout.
Papa's Team, By the Numbers
Thanks to you, Papa's Team raised $660.00. We landed a couple bucks short of last years numbers, but all in all I think we did a great job fundraising for a worthy cause.
We had 14 total donors, many of whom were repeat donors from last year's team -- I can't thank you enough for showing an interest, contributing money, and helping out!
Money raised from the Walk goes directly to funding care and support services, along with research efforts by the Alzheimer's Association.
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| Post-walk treats -- Mom and Nana. |
Walk day participants for Papa's Team were down to three -- me, my mom, and Nana. But over the last several years of Papa's life, I remember many a-day spent -- the three of us and Papa. So it kind of seemed right to be with my mom and Nana on this day, remembering Papa.
This year's walk was very similar to the year prior, even down to the hot, sunny afternoon on the race track. The Portland Chapter does a great job of making Walk more than just a 2+ mile walk around a race track. There's music, a car show, a kids' playhouse and food.
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Purple flower for Papa.
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What stood out again to me this year, as it did last, was the Promise Garden. Depending on how Alzheimer's has impacted your life, you're given a corresponding colored flower pinwheel:
- Blue represents someone with Alzheimer's or dementia.
- Purple is for someone who has lost a loved one to the disease.
- Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
- Orange is for everyone who supports the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.
As walkers neared the finish line, we were allowed to 'plant' our flower. The garden that resulted from all the flowers makes for a very memorable image, representing the reach Alzheimer's has.
Portland Walk By the Numbers (all unofficial, as things are still being counted)
- Total Raised: $270,836.25
- Total Teams: 341
- Total Walkers: 3,688
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| Pre-walk festivities. |
As I promised last September, I hope to continue to make Papa's Team a yearly presence in Portland's Walk to End Alzheimer's. So mark your calendars!
Many of our families have been affected by Alzheimer's in some way, so I'm happy to be able to raise awareness for the disease, and for the Alzheimer's Association.
And again, I'm so grateful for everyone who contributed, and helped me honor Papa in a small way.
Thank you!
Thank you!
LINKS:
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| Mom and I on the racetrack. |
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