Health Care Club Hosts Alzheimer’s Walk

by The Cowl Editor on April 26, 2018


Campus


Fifth Annual Walk to Take Place at PC on Saturday

by Brian Garvey ’20

News Staff

Photo Courtesy of AlzheimerswalkpC Facebook

On Saturday, April 28, Providence College’s Health Care Club will be holding the Fifth Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., students can come to Hendricken Field and participate in entertaining yard games, eat delicious (and free!) food, and purchase T-shirts and raffle tickets. 

This event will be held in an effort to raise donations and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association, with all proceeds going to the nonprofit organization. The club will also hold a walk around Ray Treacy Track, demonstrating the participant’s commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s disease and their support to those afflicted by it. 

Alzheimer’s disease is a very common disease among the elderly, with approximately 5.5 million people living with the disease in the U.S. Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms, as brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions. Unfortunately, there is no cure. 

Founded in 1980, the Alzheimer’s Association is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. 

Their official 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.” The Alzheimer’s Association spreads its message throughout the world; it is what inspired the Health Care Club to hold their own Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Arrianna Arroyo ’20, current treasurer and future president of the Health Care Club, is one of the chief organizers of the event. Working directly with the Alzheimer’s Association through a representative from the organization who is also a PC alumnus, the club was able to bring together many like-minded people to pull off this uplifting event. “We really wanted to raise money for a good cause. This is an issue that is very important to me personally, and I feel that we can really make a difference,” said Arroyo. 

The event is not just limited to PC students; PC Pals and local church groups will also be involved in bringing the event to life. Arroyo said, “This is a chance to spread awareness about the disease. It’s not just about the donations, it’s about bringing the community together and engaging everyone from local children to elderly advocacy groups in the area.” 

Students who want to get more deeply involved are welcome to talk to any of the Health Care Club members at the event and new members are always welcome. “We’re really excited for this event,” said Arroyo. “Students can come enjoy a beautiful spring Saturday outside, supporting a good cause with the entire Providence community.” 

Undoubtedly, the Fifth Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be a rousing success; an engaging and energetic event is expected. While donations are not required to attend the event, they are very much appreciated.