Columbia, S.C. Welcomes Back the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
On a bright Saturday morning, a lively wave of purple swept through the Bull Street District, as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s returned to Segra Park. This annual event brought together community members from all corners of the Midlands, uniting them in a spirited effort to raise support and awareness for those touched by this challenging disease.
A Sea of Support at Segra Park
As participants gathered at Segra Park, the scene was nothing short of heartwarming. The crowd echoed the reality that Alzheimer’s impacts almost everyone in some way—friends, family, and even community leaders. Among those attending was State Senator Katrina Shealy, who offered her heartfelt testimony about her personal journey as a caregiver for her husband, who has been bravely battling Alzheimer’s for the past decade. “My husband has had Alzheimer’s for 10 years now, so I’m personally affected by being a caregiver,” Sen. Shealy shared. Her words resonated deeply, underlining the serious nature of the disease while also providing a glimmer of hope that new research might lead to earlier diagnoses and possible treatments.
Nearly 30 Years of Commitment
For nearly 30 years, generous individuals have come together to walk in the fight against Alzheimer’s, and 2024 marked the 5th year Columbia hosted this wonderful event at Segra Park. On that beautiful Saturday, over 800 participants joined forces to raise an impressive $165,000. These funds will go a long way in supporting the hundreds of thousands who are currently living with Alzheimer’s in South Carolina.
Ashton Houghton, the Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association South Carolina Chapter, reflected on the day’s achievements. “It’s just a great team effort here today; we’re providing care and support for those living with the disease now, while also funding research towards a cure,” Houghton said. The positive energy and shared commitment to a cause that affects so many were palpable in the air.
Personal Stories Inspire Participation
Among those walking for a cure was Brad Wolfe, a local Columbia resident. Brad brought along his two sons, Brayden and Jack, to walk in honor of their beloved family members. His grandmother was diagnosed four years ago, and they lost their grandfather to Alzheimer’s roughly a decade ago. Brad shared his hopes for his sons, noting, “I wanted to show them where their money was going and give them a chance to walk, meet other people, and hear more about the disease.” He believes that this experience will help instill the significance of raising awareness for Alzheimer’s in their young minds.
With a sense of determination in his voice, Wolfe expressed his plans to bring his family back for the walk in 2025. It’s clear that events like these not just raise funds, but nurture a sense of understanding and community among those who share similar experiences.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can support the Alzheimer’s Association or get involved in future events, the organization offers plenty of resources online. Each step we take brings us closer to understanding and potentially overcoming this complex disease.
As Columbia celebrated this impactful event, the outpouring of community spirit and commitment served as a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for a worthwhile cause. We’re all in this fight together, and every effort counts in the battle against Alzheimer’s.
