Please Join Us for Our 2nd Annual Memories Matter Walk!
The lives of those impacted by dementia will be celebrated Sunday, June 11 at the Memories Matter Walk at Westwood Fitness & Sports Center outdoor trail.
Sunday, June 11
Registration: 12:30 pm, Building #3, Westwood
Sendoff ceremony: 1 pm
Participants can choose between a ½-mile trail, 1-mile trail or do both.
Entry fee is $25.
**Register and pay at www.cghmc.com/memoriesmatterwalk**
All walkers will receive a t-shirt, butterfly garden stake and swag bag.
For more information, contact Joan Hermes at (815) 625-0400, ext. 5672, joan.hermes@cghmc.com or Sherry DeWalt, (815) 625-0400, ext. 5716, sherry.dewalt@cghmc.com.
Background:
The new Dementia Project is the focus of the CGH Health Foundation's 2023 Annual Appeal campaign. Funds will support efforts to raise awareness of the disease and to offer resources and assistance to those impacted in the Sauk Valley area.
The initiative was inspired by a bequest from the late Hugh and Betty Miller, Rock Falls. Mrs. Miller battled dementia for 11 years before her passing in August 2020. The walk, in memory of the Millers, will be held rain or shine.
A major accomplishment this past year has been to raise funding for creation of the new CGH Dementia Navigator position. Beth Sterk is now in this role and available to help our area individuals and families impacted by dementia. The Foundation and CGH Medical Center have partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to offer a variety of resources to individuals living with the disease and their caregivers. Six Dementia Caregiver Support Groups are now serving families in the area, a Community Forum featuring CGH Neurologist Dr. Preeti Joseph was hosted, and three workshops on legal, financial and care planning aspects of a dementia diagnosis were presented.
Area memory care facilities are being provided $300 grants to purchase sensory therapy items for their therapy programs. The public is asked to share other suggestions for improving dementia resources in the area.
More than 6.5 million Americans are living with dementia and the number is projected to reach nearly 13 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases.