“Are you from Springfield?”

-“Yep, born and raised!”

“How about your parents?”

-“Yes, in fact they lived across the street from each other off North Grand.  That’s how they met, as neighbors, then they started dating, got married, and had 4 kids!”

This is a conversation I had with my mom one evening.  Did she know me?  Yes.  Did she recognize me?  Yes.  Did she sometimes yell “Aim, let’s go!”  Yes.   But at the same time Alzheimer’s was making everything very confusing.  At times she thought she was a young girl herself!

My name is Amy (Erickson) Hood, and this is my 3rd year as the Event Chair for the Springfield Walk to End Alzheimer's.  

I joined the Walk Committee after my mom passed away from Alzheimer's in 2019, days after my 38th birthday.  Did you know there is NO CURE for Alzheimer's?  No mask that keeps you safe from "catching" it?!  1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia...Alzheimer’s kills MORE than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined!  Bet you don't see that on the news every day. Please help us advocate for those who can not do it themselves. The Association uses the money to provide a 24/7 hotline for patients and caregivers, they do research, they advocate for larger budgets from Congress, they push bills that require paramedics and healthcare workers to have at least 1 class in handling ALZ patients - - so much stuff!   

More and more Americans are getting Alzheimer's disease - and it is the most expensive disease $$$ with no cure!  

Please sign up for the Walk, held October 1st at Southwind Park (free to sign up alz.org/walk) it’s a fun event that’s only an hour or 2 out of your day to show support!   

or join my Team Erickson!   And, please donate  if you can!

Thank you for the support!

*If you'd like to sponsor the Walk - please call or text 217-652-4891