Tyna Bruzzone has a warm smile talking about her Gramma, who has been one of the most amazing and inspiring people in her life. But for Tyna, a sense of melancholy ensues as she describes Gramma’s battle with Alzheimer’s.
“To see her suffer and not be able to stop it is one of the worst things about this disease,” says Tyna. That’s why she has stepped up to become Philanthropic Chair of this year’s San Luis Obispo Walk to End Alzhiemer’s October 26th at the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
“This walk means more than just another quick morning walk around town. It’s about raising awareness. It gives me the opportunity to feel like I’m helping my grandmother and others with this disease,” she continues. “I encourage everyone to come out and feel the support and love for all who are affected by dementia. I’m in the fight to end Alzheimer’s, one walk at a time!”
More than 500 people are expected at this year’s walk, with a fundraising goal in excess of $180,000. Participants will enjoy music, light food and an emotional program emceed by Brian Petersen. There is no registration fee to attend the San Luis Obispo Walk to End Alzheimer’s; participants who raise $100 or more receive a Walk t-shirt.
Walk Manager Sonya Branco applauds all who participate, whether walkers or donors. She points to participants such as the women of Sigma Kappa Sorority, who last year raised more than $50,000 and were a top 50 Team nationwide.
“These ladies bring an energy and excitement to our walk each year,” Branco says. “They understand that there is nothing more rewarding than helping those who can’t help themselves.”
Someone develops Alzheimer’s in this country every 65 seconds, and Alzheimer’s is the second leading cause of death in California. In San Luis Obispo County alone, the number of persons living with dementia is near 10,000. Money raised at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s will help the Alzheimer’s Association serve more people with dementia, their caregivers and others in the community by providing outreach, education, advocacy and research.
The Alzheimer’s Association and this year’s event chair Val Ferrero want to give a special thanks to the San Luis Obispo Walk to End Alzheimer’s Elite Sponsor, American Riviera Bank. “I started participating in the Walk when my husband’s Grandfather was diagnosed with dementia back in 2016,” says Adriane Landreth, Credit Assistant for the Paso Robles branch of American Riviera.
“Over the past three years I watched my husband become a stranger to his Opa and this past June my husband lost his Grandfather to Alzheimer’s. It was heartbreaking to watch those around me whom I love, be affected by this dreadful disease.”
Michelle Brewster, New Account Representative at the San Luis Obispo branch, shares a similar story.
“My grandmother suffered for years with the disease,” she says. “At first we thought it was just old age. Though it was heartbreaking to watch her decline, I felt my bond with her grew stronger. Going through that experience has enabled me to be empathetic to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s today, and have a better understanding of what their family and friends are going through.”
Start or join a team online at act.alz.org/SLO, or call 805-547-3830. Registration opens at 9 a.m., the program starts at 9:30 a.m., and the Walk begins at 10 a.m.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org/CAcentralcoast or call the 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.