Collegiate Times

Members of the Sigma Kappa sorority walk in Roanoke for Alzheimer's research.

In 2010, the Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures report stated that 5.3 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease. In Virginia alone, there are close to 130,000 people with Alzheimer’s. And the Sigma Kappa sorority at Virginia Tech has taken an interest in these numbers. 

With November marking Alzheimer’s Awareness month, the sorority women are actively spreading the word about the disease. On Sept. 10, about 150 women participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Roanoke. 

The walk was one of many — it is the Alzheimer’s Association’s signature, nationwide event to draw awareness and raise money for the disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death, according to the association. 

The Roanoke walk raised $88,000, although its goal was $115,000, Sue Friedman, the president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association of central and western Virginia, said. However, fundraising continues until Nov. 11, so its goal could still be met. 

The central and western Virginia chapter are preparing for more walks in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Danville, Culpeper and Staunton.

“Generally, for the member walk, the money will go to all three of our core programs: research, programs and services, and raising concern and awareness,” Friedman said. “We are really trying to spread the word on what Alzheimer’s is, what it isn’t, and particularly what the 10 warning signs are.”

Friedman said she is also looking forward to launching a new educational and service program called “Living with Alzheimer’s.” There will also be a fall jewelry show, wine festival and motorcycle “Ride to Remember,” around central and western Virginia.

“People need to know that every 69 seconds, someone is going to get the disease,” said Mary Pat Hanson, the walk director for the central and Western Virginia chapter. “Right now, if you look to your left, and you look to your right, one of those three people are going to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and people need to be able to know what the early signs are.”

Hanson called the statistics “startling,” as the amount of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in their 40s and 50s continues to increase. More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, according to the association.

Hanson has not only volunteered and worked for the association, but has been a top five donator for the past five years. As of today, Hanson has raised $3,200, leaving her a little over a month to reach her personal goal of $4,000.

The Sigma Kappa women have also been actively participating in helping raise money for Alzheimer’s research through their third annual philanthropy, “Ultra Violet Nights.” 

On Friday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. in the Squires Commonwealth Ballroom, Sigma Kappa will be hosting a casino night for $5, which features traditional games, such as poker and blackjack. There will be plenty of food and music, including a performance by Juxtaposition.

The money raised at the event will be donated to Alzheimer’s research. Last year, the women raised $8,000 toward research. This year, Hayden Renz, the sorority’s philanthropy chair, wants to raise $10,000 at the event. 

The event is open to the public and Renz is looking forward to seeing how well the marketing and advertising for the event pays off.  

“This is the third year in the row we’ve done (the event), and it’s such a great time,” Renz said. “I’m thrilled to see what kind of turn out we have.

Those interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s and donations can visit Alz.org.

“Nobody should have to leave this world to where they don’t even know that they have a legacy here, and that’s what’s important,” Hanson said.

A version of this article appeared in the Sep 22 issue of the Collegiate Times.