Walking to Spread Awareness about Alzheimer's

For the last two years, Casie-Ann Chirsky has walked in honor of her late grandmother, Dorus "Dottie" Chirsky, at the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's held annually at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven.

"Our lives as well as our children's lives are at stake," said Chirsky, who lost her grandmother Dottie, a lifelong Stratford resident and longtime dog warden for the town, to the "heartbreaking disease" of Alzheimer's in May 2009.

Chirsky will be participating in her third Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sunday, Oct. 2, at the park in New Haven. Until then she will be fundraising for the cause. Click here to make a donation to Chirsky's team, Dorus Chirsky's Gardenias.

"I pray that we can find a cure soon so that no one has to watch their loved ones go through this awful disease that robs them of their memory," Chirsky writes on her team's donation page. "My gram was an amazing woman who always helped everyone, she was such a strong willed woman and she is my hero."

According to the event's website: "Walk to End Alzheimer's is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, this all age, all-ability walk has mobilized millions to join the fight against Alzheimer's disease, raising more than $347 million for the cause. Events are held annually in the fall in nearly 600 communities nationwide.

"All Walk to End Alzheimer's donations benefit the Alzheimer's Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. The mission of the Alzheimer's Association 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."

If you would like to get involved in the cause, here are the steps the event says to follow:

1. Register. It takes just a few minutes online.

2. Start a team. Participating in Walk to End Alzheimer's is even more fun with a group. Ask your co-workers, family and friends to walk as a team. You'll be amazed at how many people want to help.

3. Fundraise. Every Walk to End Alzheimer's participant is asked to raise money for the fight against Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's Association staff are ready to support you every step of the way with tips, tools and advice.

4. Get Creative. Raise money with our online tools, hold a fundraising event or ask for a donation when you're face-to-face.

5. Walk! Walk to End Alzheimer's is a unique experience. See the difference you can make as we walk to change the course of Alzheimer's together.

For more information, call 860.828.2828 or email walkhelpct@alz.org.

Do you have a family member or friend afflicted with Alzheimer's? Have you participated in this walk before? Tell us in the comments section below.