Bloomington Walk to End Alzheimer's raises money and awareness

On Sunday, Oct. 6, IU Health team members and the Bloomington community came together at Switchyard Park for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Altogether, the event raised $137,412 with $2,880 coming from the IU Health South Region team. Raising funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research is a big part of the event, and participants also help raise awareness.

Elizabeth Thompson (pictured wearing a hat to the right), a director of practice operations, walked for her mother, Kathleen, who has been living with Alzheimer’s since 2013.

“My mother was always scared of getting Alzheimer’s” says Thompson. She recalls how her mother wouldn’t use the word, Alzheimer’s, even when the symptoms caused noticeable changes.

This woman who used to tell stories, share family history and support her children and grandchildren is now someone Thompson doesn’t know.

“She’s no longer my mother anymore, she is Kathleen,” says Thompson. “She has gained a new identity and her own sets of needs with this disease.”

While the disease has changed her, Kathleen continues to stay kind, loves to dance and has much joy in her life.

“I’m learning the things she enjoys and her new interests which are a lot different now,” says Thompson. “I’ve learned to bring a positive attitude and find areas that bring her joy as she continues to live with this disease.”

Do you or someone close to you have signs of Alzheimer’s or another dementia? Learn about local IU Health Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services resources online.