By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The colors of Alzheimer's flowers tell a story. Orange flowers are a dream of a world without the disease. Yellow flowers are for those giving care to someone with the Alzheimer's, blue flowers are for those afflicted with the disease, and purple flowers are a memorial to someone lost to the disease. The white flower gives hope. At each Walk to End Alzheimer's, there is just one white flower - a symbol of the first survivor of Alzheimer's.
"Our goal is to find a white flower, which is the first survivor," said Missy Zimmer, Walk Manager for western Kansas. "Those flowers are part of what we call a Promise Garden ceremony. They represent why you're walking and why you're helping us raise funds. Personally, I've always, for the last nine years been caring for my father, who had dementia. This year I lost him. Instead of carrying an orange flower this year, I will be carrying a purple flower for the first time."
Last year, Great Bend raised more than $10,000 for Alzheimer's support and research. The group is currently just below that mark with a goal of $15,000.
"We provide free services to 69 counties for families working with Alzheimer's and dementia," Zimmer said. "We have support groups, education, research, care. That's the whole reason we fundraise all year long."
Registration for the local Walk to End Alzheimer's begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Jack Kilby Square. A ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 10. Online registration is available, and Zimmer said even those unable to make the event can help the local chapter meet its participation and fundraising goals.
"Even if you can't come out and walk that day, you can still help us meet our goals by registering and making an online donation," she said. "But we really want people to come out next Saturday and be present. Bring your dog and dress in purple. Just come out and celebrate."
Thursday night, Pizza Hut in Great Bend helped raise $600 for the group. The University of Kansas Health System and Great Bend Pilot Club are also major sponsors this year. "They're doing a great job helping us fundraise, so we really appreciate them," Zimmer said.
Anyone wishing to set up a booth at the walk can contact Zimmer by calling (316) 267-7333 ext 1188, or by emailing mpzimmer@alz.org. Register online or donate by CLICKING HERE.