Our Opinion: Let's end Alzheimer's

We're thrilled Jefferson City residents aren't letting a global pandemic slow their fight against Alzheimer's disease.

As we reported last week, businesses, agencies and individuals across the city will join together today for the Jefferson City Alzheimer's Awareness Day.

The Missouri Governor's Mansion, Capital Region Medical Center Office Building and the Capitol dome will be lit purple Tuesday night to honor those affected by dementia and their loved ones. Forget-Me-Not flowers and flags will pop up downtown near the corner of Madison and High streets early in the morning.

A photographer will capture a group photo of participants in their purple shirts at 3 p.m. at the intersection.

Hy-Vee, Honda of Jefferson City, Winter Dent, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and others will participate. DHSS will hold its own mini Alzheimer's walk along the greenway.

Students at Trinity Lutheran, Capital City and Jefferson City high schools are wearing purple shirts for the event.

If you're not involved in today's events and feel left out, there's still time to join the fight. Sunday is the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

This year, rather than walking as large group, individuals and organizations will walk in small teams throughout the city along sidewalks, tracks, trails, parks and neighborhoods.

To register to walk or to make a donation, visit act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2020/MO-GreaterMissouri?fr_id=13562&pg=entry.

As of Monday morning, the local effort has raised about $36,000 of the $103,000 goal.

We encourage you to consider getting involved in this worthy cause. In all likelihood, Alzheimer's has affected someone you know, possibly someone you love.

Let's do everything we can to continue working toward a cure.

News Tribune