Rogers continues Alzheimer’s mission

Beverly Rogers of Albany was once again honored as a top individual fundraiser and also as a member of one of the top fundraising teams at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s annual fundraiser held at Abilene’s Rose Park on Saturday, Sept. 15.

The Abilene event is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association-North Central Texas Chapter, and the chapter’s regional director Kristin Bishop said that she appreciated the contributions Rogers has made to the Walk over the years.

“We are so grateful for Beverly’s willingness and desire to advocate for families walking their own dementia journeys and to give hope to future generations through her participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” Bishop said. “With the overwhelming support of the Albany community, Beverly Rogers continues to make a profound impact. She has participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for over a decade and has raised over $76,000.”

This year Rogers was the second high individual fundraiser at Abilene, raising $6,120. The top individual this year Nanci Liles at $8,031, and third was Evelyn Greenlee at $2,980.

Rogers also powered Team Albany into third overall with $6,220.

A total of 740 individuals, making up 96 teams, participated in the Abilene walk, and raised $113,291.

“I aim for around $5,000 every year, and I give God all the glory (for what I raise),” Rogers said. “Everyone in Albany gets involved and contributes the best they can, even in our sluggish economy.”

Randy Hayes walked with Rogers again, and this year Shelly Bartee joined them.

“Shelly sponsored me for years,” said Rogers. “This year she walked with us.”

Rogers first participated in the walk in 2002.

“I still have the T-shirt from my first walk,” she said. “I plan on walking in the event every year.”

Since Rogers’ first “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” she has only missed walking in the annual fundraiser the year she had hip replacement surgery, and she has been a top fundraiser at the Abilene walk for 16 of those 17 years. 

“The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an event that brings together participants of all ages and abilities for one common goal – to join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by raising much needed awareness as well as funds for care, support, and research,” said Bishop. “At the Alzheimer’s Association, we truly consider Beverly Rogers and the city of Albany partners in the fight.”  

Funds raised in Abilene directly support the Alzheimer’s Association Abilene regional office, which delivers programs and services to individuals and families in the Big Country who are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, according to Bishop.     

Funds raised at Memory Walk provide services to Alzheimer families in a 14-county service area that includes Haskell, Throckmorton, Jones, Shackelford, Stephens, Taylor, Callahan, Eastland, Runnels, Coleman, Brown, Comanche, Concho, and McCulloch counties.

The core programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association are: 24/7 toll free telephone hotline, education and training, support groups, MedicAlert®+Safe Return®, research and advocacy. 

The Abilene regional office also provides one-on-one case management services and an Early Stage Support Group. The Early Stage Support Group is for those who are in the early stages of the disease, whereas the other support groups are for family members and caregivers.

Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive and fatal disease, cannot be prevented, cured, or slowed, and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. 

For more information contact the Alzheimer’s Association office at 1-800-272-3900.

Donations to Team Albany can be made online at alz.org/walk. 

“It’s a great cause,” Rogers said. “It’s near and dear to my heart. I believe that we will find a cure.”