One of the leading causes of death to Americans, especially those over the age of 65 is the Alzheimer’s Disease according to Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program with the Bright Focus Foundation. Many Americans are affected by this disease or know someone who is; many families have lost loved ones this way. The disease causes a person to have irreversible degeneration in their brain; over time, a person not only forgets small things, but also their family members and themselves.
On one of the warmer days of this fall season on Oct. 20, Sigma Kappa and Motor Board hosted a walk on campus to support those with Alzheimer’s and their families. The walk began at 5 p.m. in front of Lancaster Hall, but students and residents of the Farmville community were encouraged to show up at 4p.m. to register and receive information on the walk. There were also free water bottles handed out to those who arrived to walk.
Sigma Kappa put together flowers for the event, each color standing for something different. Those with orange flowers supported a world with Alzheimer’s. While those with purple flowers have lost a loved one to the disease. Then anyone with a yellow flower was a caregiver for one or more people with Alzheimer’s; and blue was for anyone currently suffering from the disease.
“It’s more than just a philanthropy; it’s helping my sisters and family fight for a cure for their loved ones,” said junior Melinda Traylor.
Sigma Kappa has been hosting the walk for the residents of Longwood University and Farmville since 1984. It is one of their main philanthropies, but the sisters also attend Wayland Nursing Home and Adopt a Highway on Route 460 to show their support in the community.
“(We) want to raise awareness and bring the community together and support those involved and honor those who have passed,” said senior Morgan Burke.
In total, the walk was about two miles, but the support went so much farther. Many Farmville residents participated in the walk and as it proceeded, there were cars honking to show their support for the cure.
“(It) reminds me of those I’ve loved who have passed away, keeps [their] memories alive.” said Farmville resident, Greg Ashley.
The Alzheimer's walk began at 5pm in front of Lancaster Hall at Longwood University on October 21,2016. The opening comments were made starting at 4pm and ending at 5pm with the beginning of the walk. The walk was put on by Sigma Kappa sorority.
The Alzheimer's walk began at 5pm in front of Lancaster Hall at Longwood University on October 21,2016. The opening comments were made starting at 4pm and ending at 5pm with the beginning of the walk. The walk was put on by Sigma Kappa sorority.
The Alzheimer's walk began at 5pm in front of Lancaster Hall at Longwood University on October 21,2016. The opening comments were made starting at 4pm and ending at 5pm with the beginning of the walk. The walk was put on by Sigma Kappa sorority.
The Alzheimer's walk began at 5pm in front of Lancaster Hall at Longwood University on October 21,2016. The opening comments were made starting at 4pm and ending at 5pm with the beginning of the walk. The walk was put on by Sigma Kappa sorority.
