JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, hosted a travelling walk fundraiser at Kimball’s Chattanooga State campus.
The first in Marion County’s history, the walk is part of a greater initiative to help spread the word about the disease and how those diagnosed can receive the treatment they need to combat against it. Bobby Pannell, store manager of Walmart and partner of Alzheimer’s Tennessee since 2016, explained how the event is part of a statewide race that’s held every September. The race is held first in Memphis and travels to various Tennessee cities until concluding in Bristol. He added that Walmart serves as a major sponsor for the event, providing various alert packets to be used if a friend or loved one goes missing due to Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Pannell, alongside other residents of the county, banded together to establish the walk to spread awareness of the various options that those diagnosed can seek to treat it. Up to 600 residents in Marion County are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which by being an employee of Walmart he wanted to help bring more awareness to the community the different resources readily available, especially for those diagnosed and unaware of said resources.
“I don’t think that people really realize the resources that they have in the area, or with Alzheimer’s Tennessee. They don’t understand the resources that they have, and the ability to have to get help in whatever aspect it is. So these events help drive awareness,” said Pannell.
Local South Pittsburg Rotary Club member Kathy Tierney, participated in the walk in support of the cause, as her godfather is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As her godfather’s personal caretaker and member of the Rotary Club, she felt the fundraiser is a major step forward for the community, as she and others involved hope that it continues to grow each year with support from around the area.
The event received sponsorship and support from several organizations and businesses, such as Tower Community Bank, Lodge, Colonial Chemical, and the Rotary Club. All donations earned through the fundraiser with Alzheimer’s Tennessee will remain within the county, with all parties involved planning to continue hosting the event every September, while also further expanding upon it each year.