The pitter-patter of the rain on their coats and the icy blow of the wind didn’t stop Licking County residents from coming to the first annual Licking County Alzheimer’s walk.
The walk, hosted by Middleton Senior Living, is the first of its kind in Licking County. Middleton brought together groups from all over the community to participate as teams, as well as a few other individual walkers. In all, 95 participants registered for the walk.
Earlier in the week, Debbie Hartshorn, the executive director at Middleton, marked loops indicating a half-mile, mile, two mile and three mile walk.
Hartshorn was pleased with the number of participants.
“This is a good turnout for our first event, especially with the rain,” Hartshorn said.
The participation cost was $10 for individuals or $100 for teams. All proceeds went directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Through the Alzheimer’s Association, Columbus holds an annual Walk for Alzheimer’s. This year, the event took place on Oct. 13. Middletown is involved in the Columbus walk, but wanted to expand to the Licking County area. This allows for residents to support in their area without making the drive to Columbus.
Credit: Ella Diehl
Chanda Frenton, walking as a part of the Licking County Aging Partners team, has been involved in the Columbus walk for four years, since her mom was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. She was excited to participate in her own county this year instead.
“I’ve been wanting to bring it here for a while. I just didn’t know how to get it started. I would like to take my resources from the one in Columbus and do it here, and have that team here,” Frenton said.
According to Hartshorn, Middleton hopes walk participants will grow in the next few years. They also hope to get further recognition from the Alzheimer’s Association, as this year they were not listed as one of the association’s official walks
Lynn Eietel, the wellness director at Middleton, walked most of the mile. Yet, for the last 400 yards, she decided to run.
The inpatient hospice unit at Licking Memorial Hospital and the Ohio Hospice of Central Ohio were both present with teams of walkers.
“A lot of our patients have Alzhiemer’s so we are here to help in any way that we can,” Amy Habel of the inpatient hospice unit at Licking Memorial Hospital said.
Hearth Brooke Senior Living also brought out a team. Stephanie Brooks, Natasha Painer, Jennifer Bickel and Sue Carter all walked the 2-mile path.
“I think it’s a huge cause. There are a lot of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments. It’s an awesome cause,” Brooks said.
Runner Caroline Ligget was the only one to run the 5k. Her sister and grandfather came to support her.
Walkers, however, weren’t the only people there. Mallory Wardle, representing the Licking County Health Department, had a booth set up to provide information about Alzheimer’s and other health resources to event participants.
“I think it’s really important for us to be out in the community and doing what we can,” Wardle said.
A lot of the groups walked the half-mile. Some walked the two miles. The flint ridge team all walked the 3-mile path. Sales and Marketing Specialist at Flint Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Vina Keener stands at the finish line to greet her team approaching fast.
“Look at them, they still have energy,” she said, pointing to the other members of her team. “That’s a good thing they got to go back to work after this.”
Keener runs a few steps ahead to cross the finish line again, this time accompanied by her team.
After the walk, attendees gathered under the pavilion to share muffins, cheese cubes and conversation.
Eitel turns to Hartshorn and jokingly asks if next year they can do it on a day that is not as cold. With a laugh, Eitel says once she leaves she will be cozied up next to the fireplace as soon as possible.
Ella Diehl writes for TheReportingProject.org, the nonprofit news organization of Denison University’s Journalism program, which is supported by generous donations from readers. Sign up for The Reporting Project newsletter here.