PORT TOWNSEND — The second annual Memory Walk will not only benefit Alzheimer’s disease research but also connect people who have friends and relatives who are suffering from the dementia-related illness.
“People around here need a place to go where they can connect with others who are affected by the disease,” said Karen Strahan, who is organizing the Saturday morning walk.
“Alzheimer’s robs you of everything you have,” she said, explaining the event’s name.
“It takes your memory, your ability to communicate and your dignity, and reverts you back to the same helpless state as when you were an infant.”
The two-mile Memory Walk along the Larry Scott Memorial Trail will begin at 9 a.m. with registration at the Port Townsend Brewing Co., 330 10th St.
Mayor Michelle Sandoval and other city officials are scheduled to participate in the kicking off the event, which Strahan hopes will draw about 250 people.
There is no registration fee or pledge process. Donations will be accepted during the walk. Proceeds will benefit the national Alzheimer’s Association, Strahan said.
Strahan, who works as the administrator at the San Juan Villa care facility, raised about $5,000 at last year’s Memory Walk, which was the first in the area.
Strahan said that Alzheimer’s has no cure, and she doubts that one will be discovered in her lifetime.
Those who are afflicted can take no preventive action, she said, and current treatments only postpone its effects.
Even so, Strahan said that people suffering early indicators of the disease, such as memory loss, should see a doctor right away to see what treatment is available.
“It’s important to detect it early,” she said.
“In that case, you can make arrangements and prepare for the illness while the person can still participate in the discussion.”
Strahan said that last year’s event corresponded with the Wooden Boat Festival “by accident,” but she kept the date because the influx of people for the festival generate interest in the fundraiser.
Strahan expects participants from Port Angeles, Sequim and Bellingham, as well as Port Townsend.
Those who want to contribute but cannot attend the event can mail checks to Strahan care of San Juan Villa, 112 Castellano Way, Port Townsend WA 98368.
For more information about Memory Walk, phone 360-344-3114.
For more information about Alzheimer’s, see www.alz.org.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
