When Jennifer Graff realized her mother was losing her independence, little did she know that she would become a full-time caregiver.
Graff’s mother, Rose, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011, after a horrific car crash.
Since then, she has resided in several living facilities while gradually losing her memory.
Graff will walk on behalf of her mother on Oct. 20 during Pasco County’s first Walk to End Alzheimer’s program.
The event will be held at Starkey Ranch District Park in Odessa, open to both the public and their pets.
“We want it to be as accessible as possible for everybody,” said Kaylie Male of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. “Whether or not you can afford to make a donation, you can still come out.”
Participants can register either individually or as a team, beginning at 8 a.m. Donations are welcome, but not required.
Everyone who is registered will receive a Promise Garden flower. The flowers will come in four colors – purple, blue, yellow and orange – each representing the participant’s relation to Alzheimer’s disease.
The Promise Garden Ceremony will be at 9 a.m., where everyone will get to display their flowers.
“It’s a really wonderful opportunity for people to bond,” Male said, noting the ceremony serves to unite strangers.
After that, there’s a 3-mile walk, which is expected to attract more than 300 walkers.
This will be Graff’s fourth walk. She said she generally heads to the front of the line so she can turn around to marvel at the number of those present.
“I’m so proud of the people standing around me and everyone trying to help find a cure,” she said.
Graff visits her mother on weekdays at a Tampa assisted living facility, helping to make sure her needs are adequately met.
“My mom is almost a completely different person from who she was,” Graff said reflecting on her mother’s transition.
Although she has witnessed the slow regression, she said she takes solace in knowing her mother is content and at peace with the world.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. More than 14,000 of those are Pasco residents.
“We really knew there was a need in the area,” said Male, on why the county was chosen for this year’s walk.
The event will provide education on the disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs.
The Edward Jones corporation is the 2018 National Presenting Sponsor for the Alzheimer’s Association. It has already pledged to raise $4 million for this year.
The company’s New Port Richey branch will accept ‘early bird’ donations on Oct. 18, as well as Wesley Chapel Nissan on Oct. 16.
Donations also can be made through the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter’s Facebook page or by using the Walk to End Alzheimer’s phone app.
To preregister before the event, visit Act.alz.org/pasco.
For additional information, contact Kaylie Male at (727) 578-2558 or .
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Where: Starkey Ranch District Park, 11880 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa
When: Oct. 20; registration at 8 a.m., and walk at 9 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The public is welcome to join Pasco County’s first Alzheimer’s walk to raise funds and awareness.
Info: Contact Kaylie Male at (727) 578-2558 or . Preregistration and donations can be made online at Act.alz.org/pasco.
Published October 17, 2018
