SAN ANTONIO — A sea of purple flooded Six Flags Fiesta Texas as thousands of people took part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
More than 3,000 people and 351 teams showed their support during the Saturday morning event to raise money for Alzheimer’s research and awareness.
The San Antonio and South Texas chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association welcomed Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Methodist Healthcare Healthcare as the presenting sponsors of the Walk.
The San Antonio Walk to End Alzheimer’s sits in the top 30 out of 620 Walks nationwide. In addition to striving to be in the top 10 this year, the goal is also to raise $1 million.
More than 6 million people live with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 seniors dies of Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Bill and Janet Zinsmeyer were among the thousands of people who participated in the Walk. The Zinsmeyer’s are high school sweethearts.
“Janet was a senior and I was a junior so I was kind of a proud guy walking around with a senior and we’ve been together ever since. We have 56 years of marriage,” Bill said.
For the past six years, Bill has been a husband, advocate and caregiver for Janet, who’s endured the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s.
“I’m dedicating my life for this cure in the honor of my wife, but also for my fellow community that they don’t suffer with this disease. I don’t want anyone to deal with what they’re dealing with,” Bill said.
Despite the struggles, Bill is committed to spreading awareness about Alzheimer’s no matter what happens, knowing there’s a crucial need for funds and a cure.
“We’re still standing, we got six years with it and she’s still standing so I’m very, very thankful for that and she energizes me.”
Sandra Torres-Lynum praises the Alzheimer’s Association for providing an array of resources for families affected by dementia.
Ever since her husband, Billy, was diagnosed with dementia, Torres-Lynum has made it her mission to push for answers surrounding Alzheimer’s.
“The support you get from the Alzheimer’s Association is second to none. I found just recently that I can call 24/7 and get support from someone. And they actually have Zoom calls to help caregivers,” Torres-Lynum said.
While memories fade, love only swells. The fight is not over.