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Conte Middle School in North Adams will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 3, & Thursday, December 4, as the investigation into a mercury spill continues.
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 (2).jpg) North Adams kicks off the holiday season with its annual treelighting on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m.
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Memory Walk Supports Alzheimer's CaregiversBy Jen Thomas - September 11, 2007
CHESHIRE - The organizers of the 15th annual Memory Walk in Berkshire County had one word to describe Alzheimer's disease - devastating.
"It's devastating," said William "Bill" Kittler, chairman of the seven-member Memory Walk committee. "This disease is the type of disease that affects individuals and the people around them like no other. It's devastating emotionally and it's devastating financially."
With virtually no treatment and no known causes, Alzheimer's now afflicts an estimated 5 million people nationwide. The degenerative illness affects the brain and is the most common form of dementia, though scientists are still unsure of its origin.
Approximately 170,000 people live with Alzheimer's in Massachusetts, 4,000 of whom reside in Berkshire County.
"Unlike so many other illnesses, everyone in the population is at risk for Alzheimer's," said Karen Gold, a member of the state's Alzheimer's Association board of directors.
With so little attention paid to the disease, it's important that communities find ways to recognize the individuals coping with Alzheimer's and the family members and caregivers who sacrifice so much to care for patients.
"Alzheimer's doesn't get the attention it deserves until we do an event like this," said Kittler.
Organizers expect 400 to 500 Berkshire residents to participate in the Memory Walk on Sept. 15 on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. An event to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer's Association, the walk takes place in 10 locations across the state throughout the month of September.
To date, the Berkshire chapter has raised $350,000 toward the statewide goal of reaching $1.4 million in pledges.
"It's our chance to speak out for those who can't speak out for themselves," said Gold.
According to Marcia McKenzie, the Western Massachusetts coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association, the walk is an opportunity to salute those caring for Alzheimer's patients.
"There are no survivors of this disease, so the walk in itself is a tribute to caregivers," said McKenzie.
The money raised from the Memory Walk will be used to fund caregiver support programs, including professional education, care consultations and connections to local resources.
"All that we do is for the caregiver. By supporting them, we're ultimately saving them," said McKenzie, noting that caregivers endure tremendous stress and often neglect their own lives.
With the rate of those affected with Alzheimer's increasing as the baby boomer generation ages, the Alzheimer's Association is more dedicated to providing support for caregivers.
"The disease is heading toward epidemic proportions," said Gold.
This year's Memory Walk will kick off from Farnam's Road Causeway on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail at 9 a.m. on Sept. 15. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The one- to four-mile walk runs along Cheshire Reservoir and all participants who raise more than $125 receive a free T-Shirt.
This year's honorary chairmen are Pittsfield Mayor James M. Ruberto, whose mother has Alzheimer's disease, and his wife, Ellen. Ruberto will officially proclaim that Sept. 21 is World Alzheimer's Day at the City Council meeting tonight at 7:30.
Live entertainment at the walk will be provided by Bernice Lewis and Bowie the Clown and food has been donated by Applebee's and Papa Joe's Pizzeria.
"It's a serious cause, but it's really a party," said Gold.
For more information about Alzheimer's disease, and how to walk in or volunteer for the Berkshire Memory Walk, contact Marcia McKenzie at 413-787-1113; or visit www.memorywalkma.org for more information about all 10 Memory Walks being held in Massachusetts throughout September.
Jen Thomas can be reached at jthomas@iberkshires.com |
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