With the June 5 death of former president Ronald Reagan from Alzheimer’s disease, Americans? awareness of the debilitating disease of the brain continues to grow.
Here in Clarkston, one group is trying to make a difference and put an end to Alzheimer’s once and for all.
For the second year in a row, Sunrise Assisted Living of Clarkston is participating in the Alzheimer’s Association 2004 Memory Walk at the Detroit Zoo for the Oakland County event.
To raise funds for the group’s team of participants, Sunrise is hosting a casino night and silent auction on Aug. 5.
‘The Alzheimer’s Association is something we really want to contribute to,? Linda Ponce, Sunrise director of community relations, said.
Last year Sunrise exceeded their original goal of $3,000 by raising $4,950 at their ‘Twilight Memories? auction. Sunrise has set their team goal at $3,000 again this year, but hopes to double that number.
‘Last year our goal was $3,000. The businesses and community were so generous,? Ponce said. ‘Clarkston is such a wonderful community.?
This year’s casino night will feature black jack, roulette and craps just to name a few. Each participant will be given $500 in chips to play with during the course of the evening. Prizes, such as local sports memorabilia, spa packages and coupons will be awarded.
‘We’re really excited about this event,? Ponce said. ‘We love to have fun here. We hope people in the community will find it in their hearts to help this association.?
Only 100 tickets will be sold for the fund-raising event. Ponce is hoping for a full house at Sunrise on Aug. 5.
According to both Ponce and Sara Smith, executive director at Sunrise, teams participating in the walk are often family members whose loved ones have suffered from the disease or those who want to raise awareness.
‘For some people, they’re walking for someone who has Alzheimer’s and knows the need is there,? Smith said.
Ponce, whose grandfather suffered from the disease, found Reagan’s public acceptance of the disease brought Alzheimer’s to more Americans? attentions.
‘Reagan was instrumental. People consider it an old person’s disease,? Ponce said. ‘Him just coming out raised awareness.?
For both Ponce and Smith, Sunrise’s participation in the walk is just another way to hopefully raise more awareness about the disease and continue raising funds for future treatment research.
‘The most touching part for me was all the families walking for someone they lost to Alzheimer’s,? Ponce said. ‘It’s really devastating and takes its toll on a family.?
Currently 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s, according the Alzheimer’s Association Web site. The disease progresses at different stages for each individual and the duration can range anywhere from three to 20 years.
Tickets for the casino night are $45 and are limited to 100. In addition to the $500 in casino chips, food, beverages and entertainment are also included with each ticket. Sunrise is also taking donations both for auction prizes and monetary contributions toward the team goal.
For more information, call Sunrise Assisted Living of Clarkston at (248) 625-0500.