If you happened to be driving down East Henrietta Road the morning of September 24th, you might have noticed an unusual sight: 150 people wearing light-blue t-shirts walking down the street.
That was us.

It was the 2016 Rochester Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and St. Ann’s Community was out in force. More 150 employees and their families participated. We raised over $19,000, making St. Ann’s the top corporate fundraiser this year. I couldn’t be more proud.

We were among 134 teams that raised over $200,000 for Alzheimer’s care and research through the Alzheimer’s Association. Many of those walking did so in memory of loved ones who had the disease. Others have the disease themselves or, like 16 million people across the country, are caring for someone who does.

At St. Ann’s Community, we know firsthand the effects that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can have on our residents and their families. The vast majority of the seniors we care for are affected by some form of memory impairment. We believe each deserves to live life to the fullest, and we’re here to make that happen.
Some astounding facts about Alzheimer’s in the U.S., from the Alzheimer’s Association:

• It’s the 6th leading cause of death.
• It’s the only one in the top 10 that cannot be prevented, cured, or slowed.
• More than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s.
• Every 66 seconds, someone develops the disease.

But there is hope: The treatment horizon has never looked brighter.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more potential treatments are in development than ever before. There is a worldwide effort to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing. Although there is no cure, medications can temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms and improve quality of life.

And the research continues, thanks in no small part to fundraising efforts like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. To all those at St. Ann’s and across Rochester who walked, donated, or volunteered: Thank you.