WINNEMUCCA - How do you fight against one of the world's saddest and seemingly unstoppable diseases? You walk!
At least that's what members of the Humboldt Volunteer Hospice are going to do this month as they join the world-wide fight against Alzheimer's disease.
Humboldt Volunteer Hospice staff and volunteers will take part in the "Walk to End Alzheimer's," sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.
The group will be walking to show their support for the fight against this disease that affects more than 5 million people across the globe - and even here in Humboldt County.
"We do have personal experience with this disease," said HVH Executive Director Sherry Smith. "It's a sad disease that robs families of their loved ones before death even comes; it's a disease we're hoping we can wipe off the face of the earth."
Alzheimer's is expected to continue to affect as many as 16 million people by 2025. Smith said the only way to help is spread awareness and to help fund research. The local group will be attempting to do both as they join others at the Sparks Marina at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.
The group is asking for more volunteers to join their team and meet their goal of raising $500. Or, local residents and businesses are simply asked to make a monetary donation; no amount is too small.
"Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease," said Smith.
In addition to providing free hospice care to local Alzheimer's patients, HVH also has an Alzheimer's Support Group that meets at Humboldt General Hospital each month.
The group, which is facilitated by Humboldt Volunteer Hospice volunteer Gini Cunningham, will meet next at noon Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the Sonoma conference room; lunch will be served.
The Humboldt Volunteer Hospice honors and supports individuals in the Humboldt County community who are suffering from a chronic, debilitating or terminal illness. All hospice care is provided at no cost to patients. Families do not need a doctor's referral in order to access hospice services.
For more information or to make a donation to the "Walk to End Alzheimer's," please contact HVH Executive Director Sherry Smith at (775) 625-4263.[[In-content Ad]]
