To the editor,

During this time of COVID-19 Pandemic we have to do things differently. So, even though we are not gathering in a large group, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is happening in Great Bend on Saturday, Oct. 17. We are walking everywhere, on city sidewalks, hiking trails, neighborhoods and treadmills.  I and Pilot Club members are joining others and walking in honor of those we love who are currently battling Alzheimer’s, the 6th leading cause of death in America, while raising money toward finding a cure so others and their families don’t have to face the heartbreak that Alzheimer’s presents.  

Pilot Club of Great Bend has been a sponsor and had a team for many years for the Barton County Walk to End Alzheimer’s and just in Kansas age 65 and older there are just this year around 55,000 affected by this disease which is a 17% increase since 2018. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia illness.  I encourage everyone to get out and walk on Oct. 17, wear purple and fundraise so that some day we will be celebrating the first survivor of Alzheimer’s. Register or make a donation to Walk to End Alzheimer’s (PILOT CLUB GREAT BEND) google walk@alz.org. learn more about the drive-by Promise Garden at Jack Kilby Square the morning of Oct. 17 the Walk day where you will see pinwheel flowers representing the different reasons we all walk. Stop and walk the square or drive by stop and donate! Together we can end Alzheimer’s.

Rhonda Knudson- Pilot Club

Great Bend