The last of several hundred participants in this year’s South Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s pass under the start banner at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center.
LOIS KINDLE PHOTO
Hundreds walk to raise thousands to fight Alzheimer’s disease
Having been postponed for a week due to a forecast of heavy rains, the 14th annual South Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s was about a third smaller than in years past. But the passion and commitment of the several hundred folks who participated was nevertheless palpable.
“For the people who attended, it was such a meaningful event, because every dollar we raise brings us one step closer to a cure,” said Connie Lesko, co-organizer of the walk.
Themed “Fighting for the First Survivor,” this year’s walk brought in an early total of more than $27,000, an amount sure to grow as teams that couldn’t make the rescheduled event turn in donations through the end of the year.
If you’d like to help, visit https://bit.ly/2mFjPSR or call Lesko at 813-927-1147.
Lois Kindle
LOIS KINDLE PHOTO
Eric Allen, owner of EA Fitness, leads walk participants in warm-up exercises before kickoff time.
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Jennifer Pettit, activities director, of Pacifica Senior Living, kneeling at center, is surrounded by her team at this year’s South Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which started and ended at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center Oct. 26.
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Walk co-organizer Connie Lesko introduces Bobby Marshall, a 59-year-old Lennard High School teacher who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 55. Marshall holds the blue flower signifying he is living with the disease.
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Two-year-old Isabella Bloom, of Riverview, holds a purple flower in remembrance of her great-grandfather.
PATRICIA M. JONES PHOTO
Walk Chairman Stephen Wilson, of My Home Health Care, and Brian Bower, who represents corporate sponsor Raymond James, pause for a photo after the completion of this year’s South Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
LOIS KINDLE PHOTO
Santiago Sanchez and his sister Vanessa, of Wimauma, await the start of ceremonies for the 14th annual South Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
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South Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening ceremony kicking off the event.
PATRICIA M. JONES PHOTO
Walking to honor their grandmother, brothers Matthew and Tim Millard are first to cross the finish line at the Oct. 26 South Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
LOIS KINDLE PHOTO
Seven-year-old Kyra Rak, of Riverview, carries a lone white flower symbolizing the hope that one day the first person with Alzheimer’s will be cured.
