Event attendees of the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s raise their flowers at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette on Saturday. Each flower has its own unique and personal meaning, as listed by the Alzheimer’s Association. Blue flowers mean I have Alzheimer’s/dementia; yellow flowers mean I am supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s/dementia; purple flowers mean I have lost someone to Alzheimer’s/dementia; and orange flowers mean I support the cause and the Alzheimer’s Association vision of a world without Alzheimer’s. (Journal photo by Antonio Anderson)

MARQUETTE — Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease, raised more than $30,000 in Marquette’s Mattson Lower Harbor Park on Saturday.

“The impact of Alzheimer’s and other dementias continue to grow,” said Alzheimer’s Association’s Regional Director for the Upper Peninsula, Jack Vanderlug. “It keeps affecting individuals, families and communities in profound ways.”

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that one in three senior citizens will be affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s.

“I wanted to talk to you about something that gives us hope, and that is our research,” said Vanderlug. “We know that an early and accurate diagnosis is critical… Just this past July the U.S. POINTER study two year clinical trial determined something powerful. Healthy lifestyle changes can protect brain health.”

Exercise, a healthy diet, socialization and things to keep your mind working were all listed as some of the healthy lifestyle changes to protect against Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

“This is the first time we have seen rigorous data that proves the connection,” Vanderlug said. “Right here in Michigan we have funded 55 studies totaling $10.1 million … it’s all because you walk.”

137 participants and 48 teams were involved in the walk and a grand total of $33,147 total was raised in Marquette for the event. The Alzheimer’s Association also listed the top people and organizations who donated/fundraised the most money:

First for individuals was Lindsay Hemmila with $2,525; second was Amy Goodreau with $1,375; third Jennifer Legault with $1,350; fourth was Amanda Dratnol with $1,300; and fifth was Kim Specker with $1,155

First for teams was Brookridge Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care with $7,345; second was U.P. Home Health & Hospice and Private Duty Angels with $2,652; third was Jacobetti Home for Veterans with $2,120; fourth was Texas Roadhouse with $1,717; and fifth was Clarebears with $1,449.92

First for companies was U.P. Home Health and Hospice with $2,652; second was Texas Roadhouse with $1,717; third was Edward Jones with $735; fourth was Dairy Farmers of America with $600; and fifth was the city of Marquette with $374.

Information on how to donate, volunteer or to find more on upcoming events can be found at www.alz.org.

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.