Alzheimer’s benefactors honored

By Kathy Thomson

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. 14.

The Abilene event is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association-North Central Texas Chapter.

Rogers and fellow Team Albany team Randy Hayes were both given recognition awards during the chapter’s event wrap-up party held at Miguel’s Mex Tex Cafe in Abilene last Thursday, Oct. 24.

“We were presented with sketches drawn by Abilene artist Patty Rae,” said Rogers. “There were around 50 people there, and eight of us were given hand-drawn sketches.”

Other awards were also given out at the party.

The chapter’s regional director Kristin Bishop said that she appreciated the contributions Rogers has made to the Walk over the years.

“It’s clear that Beverly has a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of people touched by Alzheimer’s disease and that the community of Albany shares her passion,” said Bishop. “With the overwhelming support of the Albany community, Beverly Rogers continues to make a profound impact. Campaigns like Beverly’s help ensure that research efforts continue, that voices are heard, and that care and support services are readily available to families right here in the Big Country.”  

As of press time, Rogers was the third high individual fundraiser at Abilene, raising $4,525. 

The top individual this year was Nanci Liles at $7,635, and second was Evelyn Greenlee at $5,655.

This year Rogers also powered Team Albany into sixth overall with $4,525.

This was Rogers’ and Randy Hayes’ 17th year to participate in the Walk, with $79,525 raised over that time period.

Donations made until Oct. 31 to Rogers at alz.org/walk will count toward the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s campaign.

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

A total of 934 individuals, making up 108 teams, participated in the Abilene walk, and raised $136,923, which was 114 percent of the goal.

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 17 of those 18 years. 

“Individuals coming together in support of each other and in support of a cause greater than themselves, is what drives change,” said Bishop. “Albany is helping change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease. We are proud to be fighting alongside such leaders and know that with continued efforts, we will soon realize our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.”

Abilene Programs

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.