36th Annual ALZNI Stand by Me Walk raises awareness and builds community for people living with dementia and their care partners

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana (ALZNI) hosted its 36th annual Stand by Me Walk in Howard Park on Saturday, June 13. The walk raises awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia while supporting Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services’ (ALZNI) critical work assisting those affected by dementia and those wuo care for them.

On top of raising much needed resources, the Stand by Me Walk helps build a community around those affected by dementia, their families, their caregivers and professionals who work in the field. The walk has become a tradition for many in South Bend and beyond.

“I think building community is most important as dementia and Alzheimer’s are not something that people experience in isolation. It touches the entire family, so whether it’s the spouse caring for the person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the kids, grandkids, friends and extended family, they all become involved in support for the person living with the disease,” KJ Mapes, president and CEO of REAL Services, said. “They also can be really important in terms of identifying symptoms and the potential for identifying dementia earlier, which is critical.Plus, it helps them stay involved and continued to be included in their community if their family understands the disease and can be more engaged, contributing to improved quality of life for the person living with dementia and their care partners.,” Mapes said.

Mapes stressed the importance of working with local organizations to help local patients.

“A friend commented that this year was especially meaningful for her because of recently losing her mom. She and her father been on this path with her for a long time, but she knew they could come back to this community and they’re still being supported. Even though she’s in a different place in her journey, I think that’s really what the community is about. ALZNI provides space where folks can share their experiences, increase awareness, and at the same time have it be an opportunity for healing for them as well,” Mapes said.

The Stand by Me Walk saw hundreds show up to walk in support of those affected by dementia. 

Attendees had a chance to swap stories while building a safety net with other community members. It was also a chance for participants to get acquainted with the resources available in Northern Indiana.

“This event is our annual fundraiser. It raises the funds that allow us to provide support groups, caregiver counseling, memory screens, all the services that ALZNI provides without cost to those living with dementia and their care partners. We couldn’t provide any of those services without events like this and the support that raises,” Angel Baginske, Director of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, said.

The walk had a goal of raising $50,000, all of which would remains in northern Indiana. Besides walk registration fees, attendees could bid in a silent auction on over 40 items as well as participate in a raffle for one of over 50 gift baskets.

The Stand by Me Walk is only possible thanks to the partnership between REAL Services, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services, and other local organizations and businesses.

“We are so thankful to all of our sponsors, such as our platinum sponsors this year Hubbard Hill Estates, Trilogy Health Services, and Heart to Heart Hospice. We had over 65 community small businesses who donated multiple gift cards to support our silent auction here today, so there’s so many wonderful organizations and businesses that help make this event successful year over year,” Baginske said. A full list of sponsors can be viewed on the event’s webpage.

As walkers completed their own laps or cheered on others doing so, the support for the work being done in northern Indiana for those affected by dementia could not be understated. “This is a great peer-to-peer support that happens. The folks who come here are are walking a similar journey either as caregiver or as a person living with a dementia diagnosis. They meet each other, they support each other, they know better than anyone elase what they are going through. They quickly become like family to each other. That connection and support is invaluable,” Baginske said.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, powered by REAL Services, provides education and support for professionals, families, and caregivers caring for people affected by dementia. Learn more about all it has to offer at alzni.org.

REAL Services is the area agency on aging and community action serving northern Indiana celebrating 60 years of  building people’s capacity to navigate challenges to realize a more secure future.  Learn more or become involved at realservices.org.