Alzheimer’s disease hits close to home

Dear Editor,
In Oregon, it’s the sixth leading cause of death and affects 65,000 of your relatives, friends, coworkers or neighbors. Five million Americans are impacted. This looming health crisis will cost us $1.1 trillion.
Alzheimer’s disease hits close to home — my father-in-law succumbed in 2002 after a 10-year battle — but it also strikes Oregonians everywhere. With no way to slow Alzheimer’s, a recent study predicts 13.9 million Americans could be impacted by 2060. We must overcome this terrible disease NOW!
To help #ENDALZ, come to Eugene’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at Alton Baker Park, 100 Day Island Rd. Register at noon to join or form a team. Or walk virtually like my wife and me, honoring or memorializing someone affected by Alzheimer’s.
All funds raised provide free Alzheimer’s resources — educational programs, support groups, care consultations, the 24/7 Helpline, website and more — in Creswell and throughout Lane and Douglas counties. Your dollars also support research seeking a cure.
To walk or donate, visit the walk website at http://tinyurl.com/18EugeneWalk. For information about Alzheimer’s, visit http://www.alz.org/ or call 800-272-3900.
Let’s fight for a better future for current and future generations — for our children, grandchildren and all we love.
John R. Crosiar
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Committee Member
Springfield