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| By Katelyn Gendron Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD Since his wife's Alzheimer's diagnosis eight years ago, John Yahres has transformed his feelings of anguish over her prognosis into a positive force determined to find a cure. Yahres has become one of the top fundraisers for the Alzheimer's Association's annual Memory Walk at Stanley Park which will take place on Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. raising over $15,000 this year for Team Cathy, named in honor of his wife. Cathy was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 55 and has spent the past two and a half years in a long-term care facility. "Alzheimer's not only affects the individual with Alzheimer's but it also affects the family and caregivers," Yahres said in an interview with Reminder Publications. "Doing something with the Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk is a positive way to channel energy to do something positive and help gain resources, facilitate advocacy, public awareness and research to find a cure." He added that the walk also helps him and his family realize that they are not alone in the fight to end this disease. Last year, approximately 2,000 people participated in the walk. "It's like going to a gigantic support group," Yahres said. Annie Clattenburg, Memory Walk Liaison for the Alzheimer's Association, noted that about 100 teams have already registered for the 2008 walk. Over 600 walks will take place across the country, including nine walks in Massachusetts, which raise over $1 million for research. Since its inception in 1989, Memory Walk has raised over $225 million for research. Individuals or teams may register to walk one half mile, one mile or two miles through Stanley Park. Virginia Sinkoski, coordinator of Community Programs for the Alzheimer's Association, said prior to the walk over 40 service providers will be on site with information, including Arbors Assisted Living Residential Communities, Baystate Health, Mary Lyon Skilled Care Center and Rockridge Retirement Community. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for walkers as well as musical entertainment. "[This event] is a chance for families to connect with other families and caregivers," Sinkoski said, adding that too often they feel isolated by the disease. "Alzheimer's not only affects the individual with Alzheimer's but also affects the family and caregivers," Yahres explained. "In addition to being extremely stressful [caring for someone with Alzheimer's] is a fulltime worry. It is very frustrating because there is not much you can do [for them] and communication is extremely difficult." Alzheimer's patients experience loss of memory and varying forms of cognitive impairment, which cause them to need help performing basic life skills. For more information about the Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk, to donate or to sign up to walk go to www.memorywalkma.org. |