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Reminder Assistant Editor WEST SPRINGFIELD A person diagnosed with Alzheimer's is not just forgetting to return their DVDs to the local video store, they are steadily forgetting how to perform the basic functions of daily human life. Eventually Alzheimer's patients will forget how to eat, drink, bathe and walk, therefore returning to a state of infancy before succumbing to the disease. However there are those working toward a cure for this disease that is affecting over five million Americans. People like Debbie and Sandy Callahan members of Team Callahan for the annual Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk that have raised over $50,000 throughout the past five years. They have raised $11,000 in 2007 alone. Earlier this year their mother Mary Callahan passed away from the disease after seven years of diagnosed Alzheimer's. After participating in the Memory Walk for several years a team member encouraged the sisters to found a 5K run in honor of their mother and for the promotion of Alzheimer's research. On Oct. 16 at 9 a.m. the first Mary A. Callahan 5K will begin at Stanley Park in Westfield. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go toward Alzheimer's research Debbie said. "There are so many people out there that don't know Alzheimer's is a fatal disease and it's not something that can be taken lightly," she said. "I went and saw my mom every single day. She was dying very slowly and it was very hurtful." Sandy spoke of her mother with unwavering admiration and affection. She also expressed confusion as to why her mother, a "loving and giving person deserved such a degrading disease?" "Looking back 20 years ago when people got cancer it was terminal," she said. "People survive cancer all the time nowadays and I believe that with research they can prevent Alzheimer's or treat it." Both women emphasized how important it is to them that the funds raised at the 5k go to research in the hopes that others can be cured. "You want the disease to end before someone else you know and love is affected by it because it's passed down through generations," Debbie said. Sandy said they are hoping for at least 100 people at the event as pre-registration has been slow thus far. Nevertheless they have been steadfast in their efforts to organize the run. All those looking to participate in the event can obtain entry forms online at www.teamcallahan.org. There is a $15 entry fee prior to the event and a $20 fee on the day of the race. Prizes for the run will be divided into male and female categories by age and will include items like a Citizen's watch worth $350, a $50 gift certificate to Tymers Army and Navy store, a $50 gift certificate to Dunkin Donuts and a gift basket from Starbucks, Sandy said. Virginia Sinkoski, coordinator of Community Programs for the Alzheimer's Association said members of the organization will be volunteering their time on the day of the event and also present to help those seeking information about the Alzheimer's Association. Debbie said the Alzheimer's Association was instrumental in helping her family cope with the disease. She added that prior to her mother's diagnosis she was unaware that such service organizations existed to help those caring for loved one's with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association provides support groups for caregivers and family members, a 24-hour helpline and classes on how to care for people with the disease. Debbie said "now is the time to stand up and make some noise" to empower local and federal government to provide funding for Alzheimer's research. She added that the "average person" must also join in the efforts to fund a cure. For more information about Alzheimer's disease or the Alzheimer's Association go to www.alzmass.org. | ||||||
