Alzheimer's Walk set for this weekend
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 20, 2014 1:46 PM
Carol Lancaster has never had a problem walking alongside someone who needs help.
A friend going through cancer.
A relative with dementia.
At 67, she says she feels very blessed to be supportive where she can.
"The good Lord has given me an opportunity to still do things," she said. "I retired three years ago from Butterball. Now I just say that I'm redirected rather than retired."
For years, she participated in the local Alzheimer's Walk. Last year, she had an opportunity to serve on a committee and was asked to serve as this year's chairperson.
"It's not about me or that type thing," she said. "I have seen people come out, support it and walk, do fundraisers, ask for family donations and now, knowing that it stays in the state of North Carolina, it really means a lot to me."
She praised the committee members serving this year in the effort to raise awareness and create a family-friendly event.
"We're trying to get people to understand that this is not an old people's disease," she said, pointing out that there are increasing numbers of those at younger ages being struck by forms of dementia.
The 12th Annual Alzheimer's NC Goldsboro Walk -- which incorporates Duplin, Greene and Wayne counties -- will be held at Cornerstone Commons on Oct. 25.
Last year's event raised $27,000. The goal for 2014 is $30,000.
This will be the second year the walk will be held downtown, at the corner of Center and Chestnut streets. The smaller venue seems to lend itself to more interaction among the crowd and participants, Mrs. Lancaster said.
With Streetscape disrupting the flow of traffic in that area, though, she suggested arriving early to find parking.
There is no fee for registration and individual and team participants can show up that day and still register, from 8-9 a.m. Opening ceremonies will start at 9, followed by the walk at 9:30.
The theme this year is "Frozen in Time," representing a two-fold message -- a reference to the popular animated film, "Frozen," as well as the poignant plight of those affected by the disease.
"An Alzheimer's patient is frozen in time," she said. "Their minds are going but their hearts are still there and we have to remember that."
The statistics associated with the disease are staggering, Mrs. Lancaster said.
"No. 1, there's over 170,000 people in the state of North Carolina that are affected by this disease and these numbers are expected to quadruple by the year 2025," she said.
Funds raised for the walk are earmarked for research, private support, community education and public awareness. Moreover, she said, money generated doesn't leave the state.
"That's the main thing we want everybody to understand -- all dollars that are donated, everything stays within the state of North Carolina," she said. "That was the thing I was really excited about."
In addition to the mile walk itself, there will also be home health care vendors with information and resources, along with music provided throughout the morning.
At the conclusion, awards will be handed out to the oldest and youngest walker, a team spirit award, top team fundraiser and recognition of corporate sponsors.
That day also conveniently dovetails into other events going on in the vicinity, Mrs. Lancaster said.
"One thing when we moved downtown, was to coincide with the Chili Cookoff (at the Community Soup Kitchen)," she said. "You've got us, then move down a block for the Chili Cookoff and at 2 p.m. you can go to George Street for Jazz on George."
For more information or to register individuals or a team, contact Mrs. Lancaster at 919-778-8664 or visit www.alznc.org.