eceiving any medical diagnosis can be stressful, but for many people and families, being told they are facing Alzheimer’s disease can be devastating and overwhelming. With no cure, the disease challenges those living with, caring for, or searching for a way to deal with the condition. Mt. Lebanon has many dedicated individuals who refuse to be discouraged—using their time and talents to support families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and the search for a cure.

I consider myself to be a part of that community. I’ve worked with seniors for more than 10 years, directly supporting those with memory issues living in a Mt. Lebanon senior residence. In my spare time I raise awareness and funds through the Alzheimer’s Association, which is where I’ve met other committed individuals like Sara Murphy and Lynzy Grove.

Murphy, vice president for program services at the Greater Pennsylvania chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, is a Mt. Lebanon resident affected by the disease for years. Her grandmother (Grammie Mae) was diagnosed with vascular dementia when Murphy was 16 years old. Since then, several of her close friends and family members were diagnosed with some form of dementia.

Despite what many people believe, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not normal parts of the aging process; although the disease is affecting more people every year.

A major part of the community support for those affected is the annual Pittsburgh Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The walk, slated for October 19 at Station Square’s Highmark Stadium, raises money for research and programs to help individuals and families. More importantly, the walk raises awareness by recognizing those who are a part of the fight.

The Mt. Lebanon Public Library and the local Alzheimer’s chapter co-host a “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body” seminar, which addresses healthy habits for your brain as you age and some lifestyle choices you can be doing now to protect your brain at any age.

For those who want to join the fight, Grove, development manager for the Pittsburgh Walk to End Alzheimer’s, says there are many ways to get involved with the local chapter, but one of the best ways to start is the annual walk.

“If you are interested in participating in the Pittsburgh Walk to End Alzheimer’s, reach out to me or visit our website (act.alz.org/pittsburgh) to get started,” Grove said. “It is as simple as creating a walk team or signing up to be a volunteer the day of our walk. If you are a member of this Alzheimer’s or dementia community or caring for someone who is, the Pittsburgh Walk is basically the largest support group we have in Western Pennsylvania, so please come and meet us so we can be a resource for you.”

This year’s walk has a deeper meaning for Grove. “My grandfather recently passed from a long battle with dementia,” she said. “I have seen firsthand the mental, physical and financial toll this disease takes on a family, and that is why I dedicate my career to this cause. My grandfather would give his last dollar to help someone, so in his honor and now memory, if I can help someone fight back against this disease, or ease the burden of someone going through what my family did, it is what he would have wanted.”

This year will mark my ninth straight walk and my fifth year serving on the Pittsburgh Walk Committee. Rain or shine, I’ve seen people show up year after year to support those impacted by Alzheimer’s. I marvel at the people speaking on stage and joining me in the crowd—each one of them committed to finding a solution.

For those who haven’t had a chance to participate in an Alzheimer’s Association event, you’ll be amazed at the dedication of those involved. There are many people just like Murphy, who spreads the stories of her own Grammie Mae, while providing leadership and strategic direction for the Alzheimer’s Association in 59 Pennsylvania counties. Similarly, Grove remembers her grandfather as she helps manage the Pittsburgh Walk and builds a fundraising network. These two are just the tip of the iceberg. They represent the staff, volunteers and other community members you’ll meet by becoming involved with an organization dedicated to fighting this devastating disease.

The Pittsburgh Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held at Highmark Stadium on October 19. To register a team or get more information, visit the walk’s website.