Each year, the Alzheimer’s Association hosts hundreds of major fundraising events, the most notable of these known as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This event is considered “the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research”. Thousands of individuals participate in this event each year.
Team Dolan is one of the many groups of individuals who join the cause to fight against and for the cure of one of the most insidious diseases. Teammates in the past have included current Dolan residents, past and present friends and family members of Dolan residents, and staff of Dolan Memory Care Homes. Members are invited to set a fundraising goal of their choice and are provided with free, creative resources and methods to help reach these goals-every dollar counts in the effort to end Alzheimer’s!
On the day of the event, team members participate in the moving and sentimental Promise Garden ceremony, in which every walk member receives a flower with different meaning. In the past, blue flowers have represented individuals who have a memory impairment. Others may hold a white flower to signify someone who has lost a loved one to a memory impairment. This sacred ceremony represents the sentiment that Alzheimer’s and dementia affects us all in one way or another. The meaningfulness of this ceremony is felt by every member in attendance.
After the Promise Garden ceremony, participants embark on the actual walk. Of course, the walk is not mandatory-many Team Dolan members who are not able-bodied (or wanting to walk) may choose to show up for solidarity for just the Promise Garden ceremony!
This year, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s of St. Louis will take place on Sunday, October 27th. Like many years before, Team Dolan will be participating in our official team shirts. We hope you’ll consider joining us in our effort to show support for the many individuals for whom we care as well as fight for a cure for Alzheimer’s.
Not able to make it to the walk? You are still welcome to participate in Team Dolan by donating to the cause. Follow this link to join Team Dolan on October 27th or to donate to our team fund:
https://act.alz.org/site/TR?sid=23938&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=12689&s_joinTeamID=559413
