‘There is hope’: Local volunteer turns pain into power, fights for dementia cure at annual Alzheimer’s walk
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Thousands of Richmond residents hit the pavement every year to support Alzheimer's research at the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's.
Organized by the Alzheimer's Association, the event will return this weekend on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 8:30 a.m.
This year, the inspiring walk is also closing in on a major fundraising milestone — fueled by volunteers like Anna Harris, who knows the devastating impact of dementia firsthand.
For Harris, the diagnosis of her father, 73-year-old Larry Regen — known to everyone as "Papa" — has been a life-altering experience.
“We had noticed a lot of changes in his communication, his memory. And at one point, he said, ‘My brain just feels jumbled,' so I knew we had to jump in and try to figure this out,” Harris said.
(Photo: Anna Harris)
(Photo: Anna Harris)
Five years ago, Regen was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a type of frontotemporal dementia.
PPA affects the ability to communicate. It is the same diagnosis recently shared by actor Bruce Willis.
“He's almost completely lost his ability to speak at this point,” Harris said.
Harris is part of the "sandwich generation" — juggling work and young children while also acting as a caregiver for her father. Harris has channeled her emotions into action by taking a leadership role in the Alzheimer’s Association walk.
Harris said the drive is centered on creating a better future, especially for her kids.
“I want them to be able to have treatment and options and to hopefully one day have a cure for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. That's really what drives me to do what I do,” she said.
Harris noted that being part of the executive leadership team for the walk has been a healing experience for her.
“I've connected with so many strangers, so many friends who I didn't even know that they were dealing with it as well. It's just been this amazing opportunity to make something out of my dad's life as well, and to make something out of this awful disease," said Harris.
Regen was able to come to the Alzheimer's walk last year with a blue flower, which is for people living with Alzheimer's.
"Yellow's caregiving, and so we were able to walk with yellow flowers, and purple is if you've lost one," Harris said. "And then orange is for everyone else there that's there to just support the cause."
(Photo: Anna Harris)
(Photo: Anna Harris)
She added, "That memory will stick with me."
The Greater Richmond chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is aiming to raise $1.1 million for the first time this year. As of Nov. 6, the chapter has raised a little over $1 million.
Harris said that with the community’s support and the dedication of volunteers and participants, the chapter is on track to reach that goal at this Saturday's event.
The funds raised will go directly to Alzheimer's research and local support programs.
Click here to see the event schedule.
