Eureka Walks to End Alzheimer’s Disease

Eureka, Ca., (KIEM)- This morning along the bay, The Walk to End Alzheimer’s saw a mobile “garden of promises,” and at least a hundred people strapping on sneakers to raise awareness about the disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and its not discussed very often.

“Alzheimer’s today is much like cancer conversations in the 1950s. They didn’t happen. Nobody’s talking about the disease, and that’s really the most critical part of this event is to get people talking. Because we need people to get engaged both at a legislative level and also in supporting research.” Marty Coehlo explains. Coehlo walked today as a sponsor from College of the Redwoods. He’s also on the board for the event.

Everyone who walked Saturday donated to the cause, and in return received a flower. The color of the flower petals corresponded with their connection to the disease, and their personal hopes to find a cure.

Those carrying blue flowers have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, yellow flowers were carried by those with loved ones suffering from the disease, purple was for remembrance of a sufferer who passed away, and orange was carried in support of a world without Alzheimer’s Disease. That world was symbolized by the hopeful white flower.

“It’s very touching to see the level of support and what it means to people.” Coehlo said.