Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings hope, color on gray day

Turning a sense of isolation into a sense of community – that’s what Rehoboth Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s organizers and participants said was the goal of the Sept. 30 event.

Dozens of people took part in the walk from the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand up the Boardwalk and back.

Most were carrying flowers of different colors to represent how Alzheimer’s has impacted their lives.

“Orange represents someone who is concerned or an advocate, yellow is a caregiver, purple is someone who has lost a loved one, blue is somebody who has the disease,” said Linda Barba, senior manager of marketing and communications for the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter.

“We have a single white flower that represents the first survivor, because there are no survivors of Alzheimer’s right now,” Barba said.

Organizers hoped the walk would raise $210,000 for continued care, support and research.

“This can feel like a very isolating disease,” said Meg Dipanni, Delaware Valley Chapter VP of development. “I think it’s important for people to feel like they’re not alone in this journey and there’s other people that stand by their side.”

People who walked in honor of their loved ones shared powerful personal stories of how they have been impacted by Alzheimer’s.

Mike Fusca of Lewes wore a photo of his mother Mary around his neck. “She passed away in 2015. She had it for 11 years. It was a difficult journey, but she always had a smile on her face. We walk for her, and our team’s name is Mama Mia’s Smile,” he said.

Karson Barenholtz and her family walked for the fourth time. She brought her grandmother, Doris Daisey, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020. Barenholtz is her grandmother’s caregiver and said she was surprised how much work goes into caring for an Alzheimer’s patient. 

“There aren’t enough neurologists in the area, so we take my grandmother to Philadelphia for Alzheimer’s care. She has many appointments to keep track of and just making sure she’s safe. She’s wandered out of the house before. It definitely is a full-time job,” she said.

Barba said an Alzheimer’s treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration this year is bringing hope. “It’s called Leqembi and it’s the first traditionally approved treatment,” she said.

Barba also said the drug Aduhelm received accelerated approval last year and there are more treatments on the horizon.

To donate, go to alz.org/walk and find the Rehoboth Beach walk. Fundraising is open until Sunday, Dec. 31.