Alzheimer’s San Diego holds virtual fundraiser

Alzheimer’s San Diego will hold its fifth annual Walk for Alzheimer’s fundraiser over the weekend, but due to the pandemic, this year’s event will be a little different.

Instead of gathering thousands of people together in Balboa Park, the event will take place virtually on Saturday with participants encouraged to maintain social distance, said Eugenia Welch, Alzheimer’s San Diego president and CEO.

“We still wish we could all get together down at Balboa Park, but our number one concern is everyone’s safety,” Welch said. “We’re encouraging people to get out and walk in their neighborhood and their community, walk with a small group or maybe a couple friends and wear their mask.”

All money raised during this Alzheimer’s San Diego fundraisers is used to fund local support groups and educational programs for family caregivers and those living with dementia.

One of this year’s walkers is Larry Hamon, who has previously participated in three annual walks in honor of his late wife Sally. While the couple lived in Charlotte, S.C., Hamon became the caregiver for Sally and sought out a support group after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

“I figured if she’s got this for 20 years, so we’ll be dealing with it together 20 years and I need to know what I should do,” Hamon said.

When they moved to San Diego, he started participating in a support group Alzheimer’s San Diego for men caring for those with dementia. He said the experience was vital for learning more about the degenerative cognitive disease and how to best care for Sally.

“I needed a lot of tools for my toolbox every day was different and everything was just a bit more difficult,” he said.

His wife died in 2015, but Hamon continues to offer guidance to other male caregivers as the co-facilitator of the men’s support group.

While there is a suggested donation of $25 for the event, even those who want to show support Alzheimer’s San Diego but can’t afford to do so can at no cost.

Visit https://alzsd.akaraisin.com/ui/walk4alz2020 to register, donate or for more information.