In December 2014, 14-year-old Laurel Ramey and her family were told her grandmother, Sherry Ramos, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seven months earlier.
Laurel, having wanted to get involved in community service because of a leadership club she was in at school, put the two together and had the idea to give back to the community by hosting a run for Alzheimer’s.
Before the idea could become a reality, Laurel said she wanted to do research to make sure that she wanted to raise awareness for this disease and not another cause.
During her research, Laurel said she discovered Alzheimer’s was the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. She also learned there is no cure or treatment option, and it is the least funded of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States.
“No one should have to live with Alzheimer’s, but lots do,” Laurel said.
Laurel’s mother, Kristi Ramey, said once Laurel had done her research and had gotten a permit from the city, she began to talk to businesses and stores to find sponsors. At first, Kristi said Laurel did not receive much feedback after she talked to people. However, more and more people became aware of the event and were willing to help once Laurel spread the word.
Kristi said she was proud of how dedicated and willing Laurel was to not give up because of all the work and effort she needed to put into the event.
Laurel said her hope for the event is to raise awareness for the disease while also raising a hopeful $5,000 to help with research funding.
“Alzheimer’s impairs senses and makes daily tasks harder, and not many people know about it,” Kristi said.
Aside from the 5K and fun run, Laurel and Kristi plan to help raise awareness by including a Dementia Virtual Tour at the event. The purpose of the tour will be to show people what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s by putting them in similar situations with impaired senses.
The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, at Town Creek Park. Registration will start at 7 a.m., with the 5K at 8 a.m. and fun run at 8:45 a.m.
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