Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set at Watson Tressel

Photo

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR The Jamieson Family will be recognized for their dedication to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Jamieson family appears above during their last  Christmas together in  2012.  From left to right are Kevin Jamieson, Marybeth  Jamieson, Sarah Jamieson, Julie Zetts, Cliff Jamieson and Stephen Jamieson. Cliff Jamieson lost his life to the disease the day before his 58th birthday.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place Saturday at the Watson Tressel Training Site on the campus of Youngstown State University, 651 Elm St.

The YSU venue is new for this year and will allow for the walk to grow as the need increases.

Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. This is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Care, support and research.

A highlight of the event will be the recognition of the Jamieson family for their dedication and support. They shared the journey of a loved one who suffered from the disease.

Marybeth Jamieson of Struthers lost her husband, Cliff, to Alzheimer’s disease in May 2013, just a day short of his 58th birthday.

Cliff Jamieson was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in May 2008. He was a high school level football coach in Girard and Struthers for more than 30 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from YSU in 1980.

The Jamieson family supported the annual walk in Mahoning County and turned to the Alzheimer’s Association for support and information.

Their walk team, The Almighties, enlisted extended family and friends to participate and will do so again this year. The Jamiesons are the parents of four adult children.

Alison Alvino and Robin Musgrave are serving as co-chairmen of the walk to end Alzheimer’s committee. Amy Plant is serving as the volunteer chairman, and other committee members are Joe Scarsella, Kate Davis, Rebecca Clark, Dr. Dan Van Dussen, Vanessa Montgomery, Andrea Capriano, Brent Anness and William George.

Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation is the presenting sponsor. The platinum sponsor is Comprehensive Logistics, and gold sponsors are Copeland Oaks/Crandall Medical, Guardian Elder Care, Talmer Bank and Trust and Windsor House Inc.

Silver Sponsors are Comfort Keepers, First Light Home Care, HMHP Development Foundation and Huntington National Bank.

Media sponsors are The Vindicator, WFMJ-TV, WKBN-TV and WYTV.

National sponsors are Home Instead Senior Care, Brookdale Senior Living, Sunrise Assisted Living and Visiting Angels.

Included in the event is Promise Garden, a hands-on, mission focused element of the walk, calling for participants to keep their promises to remember, to honor, to care and to fight Alzheimer’s disease. The four colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent the experience of the individual walk participant.

To participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, register at alz.org or at the event. There is no cost to sign up, but walkers are urged to seek donations. Those unable to attend may make donations specifically for the Youngstown Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

For information visit the website or call Helen Paes, development coordinator, at 330-533-3300 or email hpaes@alz.org.