World's largest event to raise awareness for Alzheimer's heads to Siena University

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Hundreds gathered at Siena University on Saturday to walk for a cause that touches so many families here in the Capital Region. More than 426,500 New Yorkers are living with Alzheimer's disease according to the Alzheimer’s Association. At Siena University the campus quickly turned packed with supporters, caregivers, people living with the disease and more showing that no one is facing it alone. 

"It’s critical that we’re making people aware, but first and foremost, I’m here for my mom," said Erin Vickers, advocate for Alzheimer's.

Vickers started walking for Alzheimer’s a couple years ago after her mom was diagnosed and has been her caregiver ever since. Her grandmother also died with Alzheimer’s.

"The most challenging part really is that I have two kids, age four and two, also needing to look after my mom, work a full-time job, and try to be a person in between," said Vickers.

Out of the 426,500 people in New York living with Alzheimer’s 543,000 family and friends are providing care just like Vickers so it can get a little tough, but in the words of Vickers, “I try to pause and take a step back and you know, be thankful for what I have.

With the large amount of money raised this year alone the Alzheimer's Association is able to provide a lot of needed resources to help families and the best part is…

"Those funds allow us to provide free care and support services for families affected by Alzheimer's and their caregivers, and also to help fund critical research," Stefanie Bastien, the Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York chapter.

This event had everyone's spirits high as participants were given a flower and each flower represents someone's journey with Alzheimer’s whether it's representing someone living with it, a loved one who passed with it, someone who's advocating for it and more.

Everybody’s journey may be different with Alzheimer's, but they’re all in this together. To learn more about it go to the Alzheimer's Association website.