Memory Wade - er, Walk

Stock picture from last year's Memory Walk
It was such a deluge yesterday
that I decided to pass on trying to get our team to pose for a picture.

Chicago experienced record-breaking rainfall over the weekend as a result of Hurricane (now Tropical Storm) Ike.

And yesterday was the annual Memory Walk to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, starting at Montrose Harbor at the lakefront. In nice weather, it's a beautiful spot. Even in bad weather it's a beautiful spot.

Pouring rain. Blowing rain. Umbrellas inside out. Huge puddles - no - small ponds to walk around on waterlogged grass or wade through. Oh, my gosh. But at least it wasn't cold. And there was a huge turnout in spite of the weather. I guess for those dealing with dementia on a day to day basis, walking in the wind and rain isn't such a hardship.

I walked with members of my support group, and we dedicated our team's fundraising to the memory of our friend and fellow caregiver Pat.

And this year we invited Pat's son and daughter-in-law and two granddaughters to walk with us. The girls each brought a friend.

Here are some stats:

• Every 71 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease
  or other dementia
  
• Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Caring for someone with dementia is a risk factor for mortality
  

There are Memory Walks being held all over the country this fall. If you feel so inclined, find one and make a donation. Or, if you'd like to donate to our team's fundraising efforts, email me at ginniej27ATgmailDOTcom, and I'll send you the link. But no pressure!