SUN CITY STRONG is a club about developing MUSCLES of SUPPORT for those residents and family members who are facing the difficult journey of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
We are men and women who have been touched by Alzheimer's or other forms of Dementia in some personal way. We are the SUN CITY STRONG! ALZHEIMER'S TEAM!
*This vision of a Walk Team initially was born after a diagnosis of dementia was handed down to a special man here in Sun City.
*Facing the reality of what was ahead, it was necessary to become educated & involved with others who were fighting the same fight.
*Walking in the Rock Hill Walk to End Alzheimer's became the connection and experience that led to asking a critical question…and getting the answer of 'OK' to begin an Alzheimer's Walk of our own here in Sun City Carolina Lakes!
*With the support, dedication & effort from the Nurses' Group, and other interested individuals, we worked and planned diligently and our first SUN CITY STRONG! Walk became a reality in 2016! We did it....as a TEAM!
What a proud day that was and what a successful event! We contributed over $9000 to the SC Alzheimer's Association that first year!
Now in 2024, we have added a variety of different activities and event's to support our goal of fundraising efforts to help find a cure for this monster of a disease. We continue to work toward a bigger and more successful event for our 9th Annual Walk... always with our Mission leading the way! It was truly an honor to have our SUN CITY STRONG! Team receive an award for being one of the Top 50 Fundraising Teams in the US in 2021. All of you helped us donate over $50,300 to our cause, in a time when most Walks were cancelled due to Covid.
In 2023 we were the #1 Team in donations for the Rock Hill, SC walk! In 9 years, we have raised over $200,000.
Educational opportunities dealing with Alzheimer's are an important priority to address in our active adult community. This disease can attack men and women at any time without warning and as we are experiencing, at younger ages. We all need to learn all we can about this disease because at this time, there is no known cause, treatment or cure. New and exciting research is bringing about many positive outcomes: Clinical Trials are producing more results that help bring HOPE! More funding for research is critical! A cure is on the horizon!
The burdens of Alzheimer's/dementia are becoming overwhelming for Caregivers, their families and friends. SUN CITY STRONG! works those who live the challenging life of Caregivers through our Alzheimer's Support Group that meets twice a month. We offer that necessary connection of helping understand the challenges, need for many answers, resources guidance, education and genuine support! An important part of our annual fundraising efforts goes to assist the needs of Caregivers throughout South Carolina.
If you need help and continued support as a Caregiver or know someone who would benefit from sharing and hearing important information about Alzheimer's/dementia, please reach out to us.
Have you known someone who has suffered from Alzheimer's/dementia? I'm quite confident you have. How have you responded to their unbelievable challenges? Have you shown compassion and support.. even though it was very difficult for all involved? Those are the things that are so necessary for Caregivers and their families to experience.
Are you willing to become involved in fighting for a worthy cause and being part of a great club? We need you! If you already help us support our fundraising efforts and Mission, we THANK YOU!
The South Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is a wonderful partner and recourse!
For assistance and information: alz.org/sc 24-Hour Helpline: 800-272-3900
Together we can continue to FIGHT the FIGHT and WALK the WALK to find a cure!
Each of us CAN make a difference!
Janis Yarde
