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12-Year-Old Forms Team For Walk To End Alzheimer's In Fairfield County

NORWALK, Conn. – When his grandmother started showing early signs of Alzheimer’s, 12-year-old Max Rosenberg knew he wanted to do something to help. Last year he raised nearly $1,200 for research through the Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Norwalk, and this year he is looking to do even more.

12 year-old Max Rosenberg created a walk team for the Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer's in honor of his grandmother.

12 year-old Max Rosenberg created a walk team for the Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer's in honor of his grandmother.

Photo Credit: Casey Donahue

Rosenberg joined representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association Thursday to announce the 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will be held on Oct. 4 at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk. Rosenberg made his announcement from the gazebo on the Norwalk Town Green, which was decorated in purple to commemorate Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

Rosenberg first saw a poster for the walk last September when he was making his weekly visit to his grandmother at her home at the Watermark in Bridgeport. He quickly rallied together a team, the Memory Makers, and started fundraising for the event.

“It has been quite an experience,” Rosenberg said. He has reached out to friends and family members, talked to executives and associates of his parents. His dad’s office set up a Casual for a Cause event, where people donate money to dress casually on Friday. Rosenberg said he hopes that his efforts will lead to a cure for the disease, or research that can help slow the progression.

The Fairfield County Walk to end Alzheimer’s features a three-mile walk around Calf Pasture Beach, as well as music, food, massages, reiki, cheerleading and dance team performances, and more. Special Events Coordinator Lexi Rodriguez said that the event has continued to grow every year, and last year raised $322,000.

Sally Harding is the captain of a walk team who works at the Elder House in Norwalk, where about 70 percent of clients suffer from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. She has been taking part in the walk for about five years, and regularly works with the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I think the walk is so supportive. It’s a way for families to show their support,” Harding said. “It’s a great, healthy way to raise money.”

The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association provides information and support to residents dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It also works to influence public policy, and provides support to dementia research.

“We run education programs all over the state. We have a lot of programs for caregivers to help them more effectively care for patients and handle behaviors,” said Tania Paparazzo, director of education programs. There are more than 100 caregiver support groups the state, including three in Norwalk, that area run weekly and biweekly by volunteers. “We also have programs for people with dementia. We offer support and education programs to help them navigate the disease and prepare them as the disease progresses.”

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