The Alzheimer's Association Western Carolina Development Staff would like to thank all participants and supporters of the 2008 Fall Memory Walk Season for making this a record-breaking walk season.Thanks to the leadership of Katherine Ferrell (Development Manager, Triad Area) and Becca Carpenter (Development Manager, Piedmont/Foothills Area), the Western Carolina Fall Memory Walks increased in all areas;  including teams (119% increase), registered walkers, sponsorship dollars (63% increase), and advocates (24% increase)! Also, despite tough economic times, four out of the six Fall Memory Walks surpassed their monetary goals!

Special congratulations to the Moore County Memory Walk for growing 116% in one year. The Moore County Memory Walk was honored at the National Memory Walk Conference in New Orleans on January 10th for being the third highest growing rural walk in the nation! Thank you Katherine and Moore County supporters! Awesome Job!  

The Association congratulates Becca and Katherine on a job well done. Without their efforts, planning and dedication, the walks would not have seen the success it had in 2008. “I am excited about the success of last years Memory Walks. I look forward to taking the walks even further in 2009. We have some big ideas and hope to see an even higher increase,' says Becca. Katherine agrees, 'It's great to see that people genuinely care about the cause. I couldn't have done it without my outstanding volunteers. We have high hopes for 2009!'

The Association is looking forward to Spring Memory Walk Season with walks in Alamance County (April 25), Gaston County (April 25) and Greensboro (May 30)! Please join a Memory Walk near you as we strive to MOVE a nation to end Alzheimer’s! Register online at www.alz.org/northcarolina!

 The money raised will continue to help those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and will take us one step closer to finding a cure. “The Alzheimer’s Association is very encouraged by the number of Western Carolina residents who turned out to join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at this year’s Memory Walk,” said Ashley Tyler, Alzheimer’s Association Development Director. “Alzheimer’s disease has touched the lives of many families in this community. With funds raised at this year’s Walk, the Alzheimer’s Association will provide much needed care and support to people touched by the disease as well as research to fight Alzheimer's disease.”

There are as many as 5.2 million people currently living with the disease in America. In Western Carolina alone, there are over 80,000. With 78 million baby boomers turning 60 last year, it is estimated that someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease every 71 seconds, by mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds.