This weekend, the Central Arkansas Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place in North Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas – Millions of Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s, a condition that makes it difficult for family members to connect with their loved ones due to the progressive loss of memory.

Debi Barnes serves on the Alzheimer’s Association board. When her mother was diagnosed with the illness, it affected her family.

Barnes claimed that it was painful to watch her lose her identity and that dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions was particularly challenging.

Barnes stated, “I was actually at the door to go see her when COVID hit, and they locked it on me, so I couldn’t go see her.” “And she did not recognize me by the time I was able to return a year later.”

She intends to participate in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in North Little Rock, more than three years later. This will be her second walk since her mother’s diagnosis and her first since her death in 2022.

“It will hold greater significance for me,” Barnes stated. “This is still very raw, so sometimes I still almost cry when I talk about it.”

For the Alzheimer’s Association, Barnes alone has raised nearly $7,000. According to her, the funds would support caretakers and research into the terminal illness.

There isn’t a single person in Little Rock or the entire state of Arkansas who hasn’t been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, which is one of the reasons this walk and the money it raises are so essential,” Barnes stated.

On Saturday, November 9, at 9 a.m., the Walk to End Alzheimer’s will begin at Argenta Plaza in North Little Rock.