Alzheimer's...........

 

 

Remembering those who've passed.......

 

 

Reflecting on those who have the disease....

 

 

And, walking for a cure........

 

 

2007 Alzheimer's Walk Looks
For A Cure, Thursday Afternoon

 

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

It was a "mighty" force that gathered in Buford Park, on Thursday afternoon, at 5:00 p.m., to offer their support in the search for a cure for Alzheimer's disease. The Thursday walk was the culmination of a month long campaign to raise awareness in the community about the effects of Alzheimers and to raise funds for research in finding a cure for the disease. Many, many families in Hopkins County are affected by the disease, that destroys the brain and memory of its victims.

 

Jane Goldsmith welcomed the group to Buford Park and recited a poem
in honor of those who suffer from Alzheimer's.

 

Jane Goldsmith, this year's Alzheimer's Walk Coordinator welcomed those who attended cermonies at Buford Park and recited the following poem in remembrance of those who have, do and will suffer from Alzheimer's Disease:

 

Alzheimer's Patient's Prayer

by: Carolyn Haynali

 

Pray for me, I was once like you

Be kind and loving to me that's how I would have treated you.

Remember I was once someone's parent or spouse I had a life and a
dream for the future.

Speak to me, I can hear you even if I don't understand

what you are saying. Speak to me of things in my past

of which I can still relate.

Be considerate of me, my days are such a struggle.

Think of my feelings because I still have them and can feel pain.

Treat me with respect because I would have treated you that way.

Think of how I am now, My disease distorts my thinking,

my feelings, and my ability to respond, but I still love you even if I can't tell you.

Think about my future, because I used to.

Remember I was full of hope for the future just like you are now.

Think how it would be to have things locked in your mind an

can't let them out. I need you to understand and not blame me,

but Alzheimer's.

I still need the compassion and the touching and most of all i
still need you to love me.

Keep me in your prayers, because I am between life and death.

The love you give will be a blessing from God and both of us will

live forever.

How you live and what you do today will always be remembered

in the heart of the Alzheimer's Patient.

____

 

Jackie Thornton, Chairman of the Mini-Walk portion of this year's campaign, reported a very successful campaign, where $4,062.00 was raised by residents of the local nursing homes and other mini-campaigns around the area. She presented the "Spirit Award" to Carriage House Manor Nursing Home, who raised $2,362.00 for this year's campaign.

 

Jackie Thornton, left, presents the 2007 Spirit Award to Arvis & Sheila Tanton, and Charlotte
Baxter, at Thursday night's ceremonies,  for Carriage House Manor.

 

Rowdy France, local vocalist, sang a number of songs to entertain the crowd, and ended the ceremony with "You Lift Me Up!"

 

 

Rowdy France, vocalist, entertained those attending the 2007
Alzheimer's Walk, with a number of selections.

 

Luminary candles were lit in memory of a number of Alzheimer's victims and place on a large butterfly to memorilize those who suffer and have suffered.

 

 

 

Support Alzheimer's Research!!!