More than 500 residents from Pasco County joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Starkey Ranch District Park in Odessa, on Oct. 25.
Participants raised $55,784 to help pay for care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association. The event fell short of its goal of $85,000, but fundraising efforts continue through Dec. 20.
“Alzheimer’s is destroying our families, our finances and our future,” said Michelle Olson, Alzheimer’s Association development manager, in a release.
“It’s time to end it,” she added.
The moving opening ceremony featured several local families affected by the disease, as well as Maria Johnson, of the West Pasco Business Association; Daniel Paasch, director of strategic operations; U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis; and Margie Pagano, an Edward Jones financial advisor.
Doug Fresh, CEO of St. Mark’s Village and a participant for Team St. Mark’s, shared his thoughts on the walk.
“It was fabulous. The walk is important to St. Mark’s Village because of the people we serve. It’s important to work together with the Association to get some answers for this terrible disease,” Fresh said.
Currently, St. Mark’s is the top fundraising team, raising nearly $7,587. The team has been participating for about 10 years.
For information, visit ALZ.org, or call (800) 272-3900.
