Hundreds walk to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s

October 11, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Not long ago, Fran Chickonoski went from being someone who was quite outgoing, loved to travel and enjoyed daily jaunts to exercise at one of the area’s YMCAs, to a person who struggles with daily tasks such as eating and bathing.

All of that is courtesy of having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

“She’s still quite happy, and she lives with me,” said Chickonoski’s daughter, Karen Crogan of Canfield, who also acts as her mother’s caregiver while raising her own young children.

Crogan was one of seven people who made up a team called “Friends of Fran,” one of many groups that participated in Saturday morning’s annual Mahoning Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The event kicked off at Youngstown State University’s Watson and Tressel Training Site on Elm Street.

Sponsoring the gathering was the Alzheimer Association of Greater East Ohio Area chapter, which provides education, guidance, referrals and support for the region’s estimated 60,000 people with the disease, as well as about 250,000 caregivers.

At least 700 people took the 2-mile walk around the YSU campus individually or on teams to remember and honor loved ones with the progressive disease as well as those who have died from complications related to it.

The event also was to increase awareness of and funds for support, care, education and research regarding AD, noted Amy Plant, a volunteer coordinator who also is a YSU adjunct professor of gerontology. In addition, the walk was to help local families receive assistance, resources and support, she said.

Many people fail to realize the extensive, ongoing and daily work that caregivers face when assisting someone who has the disease, explained Karen’s brother, Perry Chickonoski, a commercial lender for Talmer Bank.

It’s also vital to keep in mind that no two people with AD are alike, said Chickonoski, who added that it’s important for caregivers to make time for themselves.

Also part of the “Friends of Fran” team was Terri Crogan, Karen’s sister-in-law whose father, Jack Boos, died Jan. 10, 2011, after having suffered from Alzheimer’s.

To respect and honor loved ones who have died or continue to suffer from AD, participants formed teams such as “BuBu Bunch,” Papa’s Warriors,” “Team Nellie,” “Papa’s All Stars,” “Team Gunny” and “Team McBill.”

The disease hits particularly close to home for J.P. and Jean Daliman of Canfield, who lost their mothers, Helen Daliman and Mary DeSalvo, respectively, to AD.

“You lose them twice to Alzheimer’s,” said J.P., referring to the disease’s progressive, irreversible nature that often results in one’s decreased cognitive abilities to recognize family and friends.

Before her diagnosis, Helen Daliman had “a magnetic personality,” and was someone who faithfully served her church, raised successful children and was loved by everyone, said J.P., who also was part of “Team Mary Helen,” named in honor of the two women.

DeSalvo was the quintessential Italian mother who cherished large get-togethers. She also loved cooking large meals that included Sunday family gatherings, explained Jean, a retired registered nurse.

The Dalimans, who also are this year’s Mahoning Valley Alzheimer’s Association honorees, encouraged those who care for a person with AD to lean on friends for support, take advantage of available resources and seek assistance. It’s also imperative to refrain from feeling guilty about choices made, they added.

Many people don’t want to talk about Alzheimer’s disease, but it’s highly valuable for those on the journey to know they’re not alone, noted Helen Paes, the association’s community-development coordinator.

“The disease is not anything to be ashamed of, but we need to take action to find a cure,” she added.

Making remarks before the walk was YSU President Jim Tressel.

Other offerings included information on YSU’s gerontology program, a basket raffle and various activities for children.