Great Memories of Memory Walk Motivate Me to Keep Walking
“When I give, I give myself.”
- Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
Many of us are drawn to charity athletic events because of personal experiences with a disease or social issue. My story is no different. After watching my own grandmother die of Alzheimer’s disease, I knew that I wanted to raise awareness and funds to help others cope with the difficult challenges my own family faced.
I could have simply given money to Alzheimer’s organizations, but that didn’t seem adequate. Like Walt Whitman said, I wanted not only to give, but also to give myself. That’s why I spent five years serving as Southern Utah Regional Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, where I organized five annual Memory Walks to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research and services. With a small coalition of dedicated caregivers and community members, we consistently raised more money and increased attendance each successive year.
I learned so much from this experience – and was so inspired by it – that I continued my participation in Memory Walk even after I left my post as Regional Director to forge out on my own as a freelance writer and editor. I’ve also expanded my charity involvement to other health and social issues by participating in regional walks for diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS. In each of these venues, I’ve witnessed local triumphs and wide-reaching successes. The beauty of charity walks lies in their global messages constructed through countless personal stories of courageous individuals and their caregivers.
I’m very grateful for this opportunity to contribute to Charity Mile, and I look forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences in regard to organizing successful events and participating in them as an individual, team member, or team captain.
If you’re reading this blog, I know that you agree with Walt Whitman, too. When you give, you give yourself. Tell me, what are you giving yourself too, and what would you like to know about charity walks? Post a comment to this blog, or start a new thread in the forum.
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