They walk to remember

Along the route at Independence Park in Marshall were booths — each called, “Information Booths,” in an effort to distribute as much information about dementia and Alzheimer’s as possible.

Folks walked, strolled and clutched colorful pinwheels shaped as flowers as they made their way along the course.

Oh, there was fun, like special events and prize drawings — but that wasn’t why they came.

They came to remember loved ones — many who have been stricken with the diseases known as dementia or Alzheimer’s. In a way, Independence park was an ideal place for this “Walk of Memories.”

Walkers certainly were showing their support, not only of their loved ones, but of the need for more information bout this disabling disease.

There are resources in the Marshall area for people coping with dementia but this brought it home to all participants.

The Walk For Memories was a way to connect with people who might be coping with the disease.

People and families coping with dementia are far from alone.

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease.

The informational booths set up in the park covered a variety of different resources beyond memory care.

While information is always needed, it was especially nice to see children and adults walking, remembering and trying to understand why this happens to their loved ones.