The Aquatennial Ambassadors participated in the 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, September 15 at Target Field. The Alzheimer's Association stated they have raised $1,430,916,19 as of this writing, which puts the Twin Cities walk as the number one walk in the nation.
This was an especially important event for Commodore Ann Bailey, as Ann's father suffered from the disease. Ann, and her husband, Randy, have walked and volunteered in the event for years. Ann stated, "The morning was pretty emotional for me. I believe everything happens for a reason, but sometimes it's hard to see that reason when someone you love is becoming someone else."
The walk also includes a Promise Garden, where participants receive a Promise Garden flower with the colors indicating a connection to the disease:
Blue: someone with Alzheimer's or dementia
Purple: someone who has lost a loved one to the disease
Yellow: someone who is currently supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer's
Orange: everyone who supports the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer's
Ann stated, "During the walk, I offered sympathies to purple flowers, thanked the caregivers carrying yellow flowers, smiled at the few people carrying blue flowers, and was grateful for ALL the orange flowers supporting the work to ensure we conquer Alzheimer's."
Thank you to Ann and the team for helping to make memories that last a lifetime.
