Alzheimers run coming September 20 This year's run to encompass 80 kilometres
Thursday May 08, 2008
AMHERSTBURG -- Inspired by both his father and his mother, Chris Uszynski is making World Alzheimer's Day count!
Alzheimer's, or other forms of Dementia, affect many people directly and indirectly, and an estimated one out of very five people over the age of 60 will develop some form of Dementia.
Planning since last years run, Uszynski has big plans for the 2008 run. "It's really a mixing of a lot of passions of mine," explained Uszynzki.
The organizer of the event is planning to run the entire 80 kilometers. Last year’s run encompassed a total of 65 kilometrres and began in Amherstburg.
The World Alzheimer's Day Run is an 80 kilometer/50 mile run around Windsor and Essex County. The route is planned to begin in Essex, proceeding to Lakeshore, Tecumseh, through Windsor, continuing into LaSalle and finishing in Amherstburg.
The run will be held Saturday, September 20.
While in Windsor, a public five kilometer run will take place midday. There are already 12 teams committing to the relay, and it is hoped that everything will be sold out by June.
It is anticipated that the 2008 event will be the largest event of its kind in the country.
The expected goal is $150,000, where all of the proceeds will go to the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County, and to aid local caregiver programs.
Uszynski's father has suffered with Alzheimer's for over 15 years, and in honour of his mother, the primary caregiver, he has decided to run the event.
There are many spouses across the province and all of Canada that have had to become the primary caregivers to aid their loved ones, so the event is partly dedicated to raising awareness about caregiver programs and to help pay for more programs. By paying for more programs, the programs will become more accessible to everyone who needs them.
All funds raised are invested directly to local caregiver programs like in-home respite care and day-away programs. These programs are critical in keeping loved ones at home longer, easing up local long-term care facilities and giving caregivers a break from their daily responsibilities.
Uszynski described, "That's what it's all about; it's all about the caregiver."
Uszynski is still looking for volunteer help in the event, more relay teams and more runners. He is also looking for a major sponsor of the event.
For more information and details about the World Alzheimer's Day run visit the web site www.alzheimerwindsor.com, and go to the link on the site or call Maurizio Tiberia at the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County at (519) 974-2220 ext 14.
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