Walk to End Alzheimer’s planned

Photo

Special to The Vindicator: Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee members include, from left, Gretchen Crater, Johanna Nuzzo and Pam Rogers. Members not pictured are Deanna Spirko, Sherrin Stambaugh and Heidi Vanek.

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Johanna Morell Nuzzo of Canfield will lead the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s Saturday in Boardman Park.

Nuzzo is the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2011 honoree and advocate. A Struthers native, she has been involved in the Memory Walk, as it was formerly known, for the past six years, and has served as a volunteer for the association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Spring Forget-Me-Not committees.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for the disease. Registration for the Boardman event will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the walk will begin at 9:30 a.m.

People from all sectors of the community — including health care, business, civic and service groups, churches and caregivers — will walk with family members of those living with Alzheimer’s. Each walker will join in a tribute to honor those affected by the disease.

Nuzzo will receive a special recognition before the walk. The event will also include entertainment, face and pumpkin painting for children, raffles and refreshments.

Those interested in participating can register online or on the day of the event. There is no cost to sign up, but the walk offers opportunities to raise funds. Those unable to attend can make donations. Go to alz.org/walk or contact Helen Paes, community development coordinator, at 330-533-3300 or email Helen.Paes@alz.org.

The media sponsor is Mix.98 and its affiliated Clear Channel stations. Other sponsors include Comfort Keepers, Home Instead Senior Care, Humility of Mary Health Partners Development Foundation, Ivy Woods Manor, Park Vista Retirement Community, Pembrooke Place, ValleyCare and Windsor House Inc.