The sky was blue. The sun was shining and Northampton County Community College, Monroe Campus was a sea of orange, purple, yellow and white plastic flowers spinning in the wind.

On Saturday, Monroe County residents joined the fight at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to end Alzheimer’s.

The walk is the largest event to raise awareness and funds for care, support and research.

“The Orange flower represents walkers who want to see a world without Alzheimer. The purple flower represents walkers who have lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s or dementia. The yellow flower represents walkers who are currently caring for or supporting someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia The white flower, is a symbol of hope for the first Alzheimer’s Survivor,” said Sr. Development Director Frances Gibbons.

As a director, she is responsible for the implementation of Walk to End Alzheimer’s events to meet or exceed goals through volunteer recruitment.

“The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania serves 59 counties in western, central and northeastern Pennsylvania through our six offices. We help all those facing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by providing support groups and educational resources, while advancing crucial research and public policy initiatives.

Strides in research and studies

Lori J. Cerato, an attorney devoted to providing quality legal representation in the area of elder law, thanked everyone who came to participate in the event.

She said the money raised helps the association find some of the most promising studies in the field.

Currently, the association is investing over 300 million to more than 940 projects in 45 countries on six continents. The money you raise helps the Association fund some of the most promising studies in the field. Currently the association is investing over 300 million to more than 940 projects in 45 countries on six continents. That’s right one day, you will and we will do it together with me in this fight. We raised $15,893 on a $40,000 bill,” she said and added, “I know that many of you have raised a lot of money. But can we all give just a little more?”

Greeting the crowd, Congressman Matt Cartwright thanked everyone for gathering at the event and giving him the opportunity to show his purpose to walk to end Alzheimer’s once again.

“I’m inspired by the incredible work being done by associations or volunteers who promote Alzheimer’s care, support and research. I am proud to welcome them into my Washington, D.C. offices and in the district office and for regular meetings about how we can work together to make strides to end Alzheimer’s and that is why your participation and initiatives like this walk are so important.

“Alzheimer’s and more than 11 million of their loved ones provide care and support for them every day.”

Care Givers Stories

A young man named Del Suleyman stood at the podium trying to keep his composure as he talked about his grandmother and her descent into the darkness of Alzheimer’s.

His grandmother, Saga, was born in 1894 She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s roughly seven years ago.

“It’s been some time my grandmother can no longer recognize me. Well, I wasn’t expecting this, you know living through it. It’s something else it’s still quite difficult in a way” he said while apologizing for his tears.

“She will always be the strong one, the woman you know, and always remember her that way,” and my prayers are with every kind of pain for those that go through this. And I think all of you for taking time generously donating to the cause and one day hopefully, all humanity.”