2013 Walk to End Alzheimer's Recap

Our Granddaddy Teague

Yesterday I participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's, a cause that is very personal to us since our Granddaddy Teague had this disease.  I walked and raised funds as part of a team from The John H. Boner Community Center, where I work.  We had 4 walkers, and with the support of our coworkers raised $243 to help fund Alzheimer's care, support, and research.

Start Line

We sold paper flowers and popsicles as well as collected donations.  We also had a day where everyone wore purple to work, but sadly due to time commitments were unable to get everyone together for a Purple People Picture.

Opening Remarks

It was a gorgeous day for the walk, which started at Military Park in downtown Indianapolis and went along the Canal and back for a total of 3 miles (there was also a 1 mile option).

Flowers Raised

Before the walk, opening ceremonies included fundraising awards and short remarks by families and patients with Alzheimer's; then a very moving moment where we raised our flowers in tribute.  I posted some pictures I took with my phone, but it's hard to really capture the size, scope, and emotion of that moment with a phone.

Flowers Raised

As we walked along the Canal, it was amazing to see the sheer numbers of people participating.  We were near the front of the pack, yet very early on we already saw people on the other side of the canal who had made the turn & were returning to the park.

At the turn, looking back

I have posted more pictures, but again it's just impossible to capture the scope of this walk from ground level with a camera phone.  It's also hard to capture just how beautiful the day was, and how beautiful the Canal Walk is.  It's one of my favorite places in Indianapolis.

From above, at the end

At runs and walks, I always love to see the outfits people are wearing, and this one was no exception.  There was a lot of spirit at the walk: many families and workplace teams in matching t-shirts, or wearing personal tributes to loved ones with Alzheimer's.  One team, which won a fundraising award, was all decked out in tutus.

Always someone in a tutu...

There were also a lot of dogs.  Maybe next year I will bring Sampson.  We even saw one dog jump in the canal and go for a swim.  I wasn't fast enough to get a picture of that, though.

 My heartfelt thanks to family, friends, and coworkers who supported our fundraising efforts this year and in past years.  Someday we will see the end of this disease.

Finish Line