In a remarkable display of unity and support, Ingleside colleagues and family members across its communities have taken a significant stride in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease, committing both financially and physically, as donations were made and two miles of steps taken towards raising awareness and contributing to the ongoing national efforts to help find a cure.
While many community members, ranging from team members to volunteers, helped to spearhead fundraising efforts and donated thousands of dollars towards the cause, others joined the effort on Saturday, September 28, 2024, to participate in the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in Washington, DC.
The annual event, held in over 600 communities nationwide since 1989, aims to raise awareness and funds by bringing together individuals of all walks of life to combat the progressive brain disorder that has affected millions of people worldwide. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are an estimated 6.7 million people in the United States with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s® serves as a platform for individuals and communities to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and to raise funds that contribute to groundbreaking research and support programs. By participating in this event, Ingleside’s team and community members have demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.
Kiersten Parsons, Regional Director of Community Partnerships at Ingleside, expressed her enthusiasm for the community’s involvement in this important cause. “We are very excited about our communities and HQ (or headquarters) team rallying around this vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease. It has been a good team-bonding experience, and it is a cause that aligns closely with Ingleside’s work of excellence in dementia care and services,” said Kiersten.
Ingleside, a leading provider of aging care services has been at the forefront of delivering excellence in Alzheimer’s and dementia care through its Ingleside Engaged social day program, a group dedicated to providing specialized care for those living with cognitive decline, and Memory Care Assisted Living, a residential dementia-care program. Ingleside at King Farm, Ingleside’s community in Rockville, Maryland, had the top individual fundraiser of the three communities. The community’s Memory Programs Director Maureen Charlton, BSW, CVW, CADDCT, a former Alzheimer’s Association employee, rallied her team for this cause which has been near and dear to her heart for over 20 years.
“It is truly an honor to support the Alzheimer’s Association in raising funds to help families across the country that have had to deal with a family member suffering from cognitive impairment,” Maureen shared.
Amy Hewes, Memory Program & Services Director at Westminster at Lake Ridge, Ingleside’s community located in Prince William County, Virginia, lead her team in a record high fundraising year through her leadership, passion and diligence in advocating for the cause.
Ingleside at Rock Creek had more than a dozen team members, and family members of residents at the walk! Team captain Marianna Blagburn alongside team members Samantha Garvie and Erica Coler rallied the team.
Ingleside’s overall participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® further highlights the community’s dedication to improving the lives of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
To learn more about Ingleside communities and the fight towards a world without Alzheimer’s, visit https://inglesideonline.org.