The 2021 Southeast Regional Walk to End Alzheimer’s is coming to Hobbs on September 25. Now is the time to join with others who have already registered to participate in this very worthwhile event.
The Hobbs Walk to End Azheimer’s
According to Paul Moore, the Southeastern Regional Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association, historically the Lea County Walk to End Alzheimer’s was a walk that branched off of the Roswell Walk. “Because of the tremendous community support and awareness that branch had, in 2019 it was decided that the community deserved its own official ‘Walk’ with full support from the Alzheimer’s Association,” says Moore.
Then, COVID-19 came and the first Hobbs “Walk” became a virtual walk out of necessity. Moore comments that this was “less than ideal”.
The 2021 Hobbs “Walk” is the real thing. It will take place between 9:00am – 2:00pm on Saturday, September 25, at Hobbs Hospital – Covenant Health, 5419 N Lovington Hwy., Hobbs.
Registration is at 9:00 am, followed by a Ceremony at 9:30 am. Then, the Walk will start at 10:00 am. “We are hoping to have a successful day that the whole community can take part in,” says Moore.
A Symbolic Promise Garden Flower for Each Participant
According to the Hobbs Walk website, all registered participants will receive a Promise Garden Flower to carry which will represent his or her primary connection to the disease.
Those carrying a blue flower live with someone who has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.
Those carrying a purple flower have lost someone to the disease.
Those carrying a yellow flower are “currently supporting or caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s.”
Those carrying an orange flower are supporters of the cause and “the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”
Safety at the Forefront
Moore is quick to point out that the health and safety of all “constituents, staff and volunteers is a priority” for the 2021 Hobbs Walk. “All events will implement safety protocols including physical distancing, masks (where required), contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations and more. We will continue to closely monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local guidelines to ensure Walk events adhere to recommendations and are safe for attendees,” states the Hobbs Walk website.
Sponsorship Goal Already Exceeded
Hobbs business and organizations are already wholeheartedly supporting the event. According to Moore, the sponsorship goal of $7,000 was quickly exceeded. With 40 participants and six teams currently registered, $8.755 has been raised. “Now we are focused on getting the community involved to both fundraise and participate the day of the event,” he says.
How to Register, Donate, Volunteer
Online registration for the Walk is ongoing. Three options are available – starting your own team, joining an existing team or walking as an individual.
You may also donate online. Three donation options are available – to a specific walker, to a team or to the Hobbs Walk itself. All donations are tax deductible in compliance with the law.
Funds raised through the Southeast Regional Walk to End Alzheimer’s are donated to the Alzheimer’s Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. They provide funding for care, support and research efforts.
In addition to registering and donating, volunteer opportunities are available. You may join the Hobbs Walk Planning Committee. Maybe you would like to recruit teams and sponsors. Maybe you would prefer to promote the event in the community, or maybe you would like to work on logistics. Contact Paul Moore at ptmoore@alz.org or phone him at 505-317-0978 to get started.
Some Facts About Alzheiner’s
According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, about six million Americans, two-thirds of whom are women, have Alzheimer’s. One in nine people 65 years of age and older has Alzheimer’s dementia. Deaths from Alzheimer’s increased between 2000 – 2019 by 145%, while during the same period deaths from heart disease decreased by 7.3%. In America Alzheimer’s deaths have increased 16% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alzheimer’s kills more than breast and prostate cancer combined, and one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s.
Certainly, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia touch many families, caregivers and their friends in Lea County each and everyday. Consuming and sometimes overwhelming, the fight to end these debilitating diseases is never ending. The Hobbs Walk brings awareness and provides vital funding. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Contact
To learn more about the Hobbs Walk to End Alzheimer’s and how the Alzheimer’s Association assists those in Lea County who are suffering from all forms of dementia, as well as their caregivers, contact Paul Moore at ptmoore@alz.org or phone him at 505-317-0978. A 24/7 helpline is, additionally, available in multiple languages at 1-800-272-3900.
Photos courtesy of Paul Moore, Southeastern Regional Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association.
