Every year, participants gather in over 600 communities across the nation with a goal of raising money and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
This year, Voyage Long Term Care put a team together that was combined of their corporate staff as well as staff from both Oak Hills Care Center and Edmond Health Care Center. Thirty-five staff members elected to make contributions out of their paycheck for over 2 and a half months – raising a total of $1,060.00. In addition to staff donations, Voyage Long Term Care pledged to match all staff donations, which brought the total raised to over $2,000.
On Saturday, October 22nd, 2022, many of our team members gathered at Scissortail Park for the party/ceremony before the walk began at 10:00am.
“The main reason I participate in the Alzheimer’s walk is in honor of my sweet grandmother, Lillie Mae. She was riddled with the disease until her death. It was heart wrenching for her and for my family. I feel if there is anything I can do to help to defeat this disease it is worth my time and support!” Jolinda Ross is the Business Office Manager at Edmond Health Care and elected to participate in the Voyage Long Term Care team as a tribute to her grandmother. Like Ross, the Director of Nursing at Oak Hills Care Center, Tiffany Moody, has her reasons for participating “I elected to walk in memory of all my residents and families affected by the disease.” Oak Hills Care Center has a beautiful memory care section to their building that is home to approximately 25-residents that live with Alzheimer’s or dementia so Moody knows all-to-well the affects this disease can have on individuals.
The mission of Alzheimer’s Association is “To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; provide & enhance care & support for all affected & reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.” According to Charity Watch report that was issued in June 2002, the association spends 74% of every dollar on programs.
This year’s walk had already surpassed 50% of their goal before the day of the event with $372,107 raised. The Oklahoma City chapter will continue to raise funds until the end of the year to hopefully achieve the goal of $748,000. With over 1600 participants registered the Association has just around 10 weeks to achieve the remaining 47% of their goal.
To help contribute or get more information go to www.okcwalk.com or contact the walk director, Jessica Hogner at jnhogner@alz.org.