On Saturday, residents from across Polk County gathered at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland for Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Participants walked for those living and lost to Alzheimer’s and other dementia, like Kathy McInerney.
McInerney walked for her mother, Carol, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019. Since her mother’s diagnosis, McInerney has served as her caregiver.
“After only 3 years of retirement, my mom started to become forgetful more and more, repeating things and getting emotional and nervous about things in life,” described McInerney. “After her diagnosis, I was numb, but also knew I had to do whatever I could to help her through the times ahead.”
Statewide, more than 840,000 Floridians serve as unpaid family caregivers. Many report increased rates of depression, anxiety and stress.
For McInerney, self care continues to be critical.
“For those that are or are about to walk along the side of your loved one, my best advice is to do your research, join groups and take care of yourself,” McInerney shared. “Know that times can be very stressful, try not to argue and realize there are times that change quickly and they bounce back and forth. Understand they can’t help it.”
Alzheimer’s has become a crisis in Florida, with the second largest number of people living with the disease in the U.S. In Polk County alone, nearly 18,000 residents are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s.
New treatments to help slow down the progression of the disease have been approved as recently as July and are giving families hope for the first time.
“We walked knowing that our efforts are having real impact,” said Shree Chamberlain, senior development manager for the Walk. “The funds volunteers have raised in our community are fueling research to bring us these new treatments, new understanding of the disease and ways to reduce our risk.”
At the Walk, participants carried flowers representing their connection to Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Blue means someone is living with the disease, yellow is for caregivers, purple for those who have lost someone and orange shows solidarity in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
Shelly Asbury carried the yellow flower, signifying her role as a full-time caregiver for her step-father who is living with Alzheimer’s. After quitting her full time job to focus on caregiving, she became involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Polk County and now serves on the committee.
“Caregiving is definitely very challenging and not for the faint of heart,” said Asbury. “I now actively try my best to raise funds and awareness.”
The Walk was held on the 3-year anniversary of the death of Publix heiress Carol Jenkins Barnett. Barnett was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s in 2016 and passed form the disease in 2021. Her son Wesley Barnett served as the 2024 chair for the Walk.
The event was locally presented by Florida Southern College, Lakeland Regional Health, Mary E. Tye and Publix Charities. Edward Jones was the national presenting sponsor. WFLA Polk County reporter, Staci DaSilva, led the ceremony followed by a 2 mile walk around Bonnet Springs Park.
To date, the Walk has raised more than $267,000 to benefit care, support, research, advocacy and awareness initiatives through the Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.
Donations are still being accepted for Walk to End Alzheimer’s through December 31. Donate or learn more at alz.org/PolkCountyWalk.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.