Hopkinton Woman Walking to End Alzheimer's

Submitted

Desiree Marchand of Hopkinton will be joining the movement to end Alzheimer’s disease by taking part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Worcester on Sept. 30. 

Marchand has been acquainted with Alzheimer’s disease since she was just a child. Both her grandmother and great aunt had been diagnosed by the time she was able to even marginally comprehend the disease.

“I would describe myself best as an advocate who wants to fight Alzheimer's and further research for both emotional and selfish personal reasons. My mother and I are both memory boosting junkies. We get excited every time we hear about a new way to increase memory or ward off Alzheimer's,” said Marchand. “My mother and I went to see my grandmother almost every weekend to help her with the tasks she could no longer perform on her own. I spent a good deal of my childhood in nursing homes and learning signs of this horrible disease.

"I was so young when my grandmother was diagnosed that I do not remember Marion Brown, the person, I only remember Marion Brown, the disease. A significant number of years have passed since the deaths of my grandmother and great aunt, but my mother and I worry we could be next.”

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

“There has never been a greater need to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease,” said James Wessler, president/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. “We are truly grateful to Desiree and all of those participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for their commitment to fighting for a cure.”

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. The disease has a significant impact on family members, with nearly 15 million providing care to a loved one, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Anyone can contribute to Marchand and her team, “Don't Push Me In Front Of A Train” at www.alzwalkMANH.org or learn more about participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.