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Last updated 9/2/03

Participants in the 2002 Memory Walk raised nearly $110,000 for Alzheimer’s programs.

Alzheimer’s Association Sets $130,000 Goal for Oct. 4 ‘Memory Walk’

By Daniel Dullum
Spectrum staff writer

Terrell Owens has said that pro football should be more of a game than the business it is, and the San Francisco 49ers’ All-Pro wide receiver proved it one night during the 2002 season when he thought it would be great fun to pull a pen from his sock and autograph a football he’d just caught for a touchdown.

Such antics were the furthest thing from Owens’ mind on April 1, when he accepted an invitation from the Alzheimer’s Association to appear before a U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.

Owens told the senators that despite the fame and wealth he has attained as a pro football player, he is powerless to help cure his maternal grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.

“It’s really put things in perspective for me. She is my driving force,” Owens said of his grandmother. “[Alzheimer’s disease] is tough on families. I’ve seen it firsthand, and that’s why I’m proud to lead the Northern California Memory Walks again this year.”

For the second consecutive year, Owens is the celebrity team chair for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Northern California/Northern Nevada Memory Walks. While Owens’ football schedule prevents him from personally participating in the walks, he will donate autographed jerseys and footballs as awards for top fundraisers.

The Greater Sacramento Memory Walk is at 9 a.m. on Oct. 4 at California State University Sacramento, 6000 J St., Sacramento.

The Memory Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Association, will be co-hosted by news anchors Dave Walker and Lois Hart of KCRA-TV. Spectrum newspaper is the official media sponsor.

The walks of 5 miles, 2.5 miles and a half-mile begin at 10 a.m., with registration at 9 a.m.

The Memory Walk includes health screenings and information booths presented by local non-profit groups, the Memory Lane Wall of Recognition, a canned food drive, a complimentary snack cafe, children’s activities and more.

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible brain disorder that results in gradual memory loss, changes in behavior and personality, and a decline in the thinking ability. Caring for Alzheimer’s patients and their families costs Americans nearly $100 billion annually, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Neither Medicare nor most private health insurance policies cover the long-term care most Alzheimer’s patients need.

Last year’s Memory Walk raised nearly $110,000 locally. The goal for 2003 is $130,000.

“It’s a really fun day. People have a wonderful time,” said Mary Gillon, regional director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Sacramento Area Chapter. “It’s a great day of raising awareness, and a day of community for people dealing with Alzheimer’s on a personal or professional level.”

Those interested in participating can sign up individually or as part of a team. Gillon said more than 50 teams are registered thus far, with 1,500 to 2,000 walkers expected to participate.

Contributions go toward programs such as the 24/7 Helpline (1-800-660-1993), 15 caregiver support groups, educational conferences and programs, and research.

“The money raised on the walk is used for services here in the Sacramento community. The research is both on the local and national levels. Some of the monies go to research being done at UCSF or UC Davis,” Gillon said.

Other Northern California Memory Walks are scheduled for Corte Madera and Santa Cruz on Sept. 20; Carson City on Sept. 21; Fairfield, Monterey and Yerington on Oct. 4; Chico, Treasure Island and the Napa wine country on Oct. 11; and Salinas on Oct. 25. A walk will be held in Reno, Nev., on Oct. 19.

“It’s an enormous undertaking. Our special events coordinator spends an entire year working with volunteers both as a committee and within the community to develop the walk,” Gillon said. “They do team-building, get teams from different businesses and organizations from Girl Scouts to health care agencies.

“Anyone who would like to donate directly, that’s great,” she said. “If anyone wants to start their own team and get pledges from other walkers, that’s wonderful too.”

To pre-register, become a team captain, make a donation or learn more about the Sacramento Memory Walk, call 1-800-660-1993 or visit www.alznorcal.org.