According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than six million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
When Dana Hartgroves’ mother was diagnosed, she, her father and her sister joined the 11 million caretakers looking after an Alzheimer’s patient.
Today, she participates in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in honor of her mom and other family members lost to the disease.
“I don’t just walk for my mom. I started for my mom, but my mom’s older brother ... and her baby brother, also had Alzheimer’s,” she said.
She was motivated to join the walk, a nationwide fundraiser organized by the Alzheimer’s Association, after her mother succumbed to the disease a few years ago. In addition to drawing attention to the disease and the fight against it, she wanted people to understand the hardships caretakers go through as well.
“I just wanted people to be aware of how devastating this illness can be for not just the person who has it, but for their caregivers, and their family members,” Hartgroves said. “I’ve watched my aunt’s father, and my best friend’s father, and my own family members — two uncles and my mother — and so many other people.”
Alzheimer’s is caused by a buildup of proteins around brain cells. These deposits impede brain cell function and cause cell death, and patients suffer cognitive problems and interfere with basic physical processes like swallowing.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s and treatments can only temporarily improve brain function, but Hartgroves and others hope the research funded by the Walk to End Alzheimer’s will someday slow or cure the disorder.
Since it has genetic components and three of her family members have suffered from it, Hartgroves knows she is at high risk, and hopes to see breakthroughs in treatment sooner rather than later.
“I would like to see this in my lifetime because I have granddaughters. I don’t want them to go through this. They watched their great grandma pass away, and slip away from them, and I want to make sure that they don’t have to watch this again,” she said.
Last year, Hartgroves and the Vivian’s Vikings walking team, named in honor of Hartgroves’ late mother, raised around $2,000. Due to life changes this year, she has less time to devote to fundraising, but is still making headway.
People can easily donate to Walk to End Alzheimer’s via act.alz.org, where they can find any team nationwide, or on the Dana is Walking to End Alzheimer’s! Facebook page. Donations are tax deductible and receipts are available.
What is priceless is the hope donations bring.
“I don’t care if it’s $5 or $500 or $5,000. Every dollar counts,” Hartgroves said.
For Hartgroves, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a chance to act, and do it alongside fellow fighters. She values having a way to honor her loved ones and support those working to find a cure.
“I’m not the only person in the world who has lost a parent. But there are so many things out there, these illnesses that can be treated or they can be slowed down or, good Lord above, hopefully they can eventually be cured.” she said. “And that’s the ultimate goal.”
Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday, Oct. 2, at McLane Park in Poplar Bluff. Social distancing will be implemented, as will masks when required. Participants can also choose to join in from home. More information is available at act.alz.org.