By Maddison Rametta
Kara Cassidy is the owner of Florida Swim School and a volunteer leader for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in Boca Raton, serving as Chair of the Executive Committee for Walk.
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.
Ms. Cassidy recently answered a few questions about her involvement in the fight to end Alzheimer’s.
How has Alzheimer’s impacted your life? My experience with watching my father suffer from Alzheimer’s and, subsequently my mother suffer as his caregiver, impacts me with empathy I have for those not only diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but those who may become diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The sad potential is that anyone can get it from what we know at this time.
What made you decide to volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s? I wanted to get involved to help others who have been affected by Alzheimer’s. It’s important for those caring and suffering from watching loved ones to know that they are not alone. Being involved in the Walk helps me keep my father in my thoughts every day.
How do you hope to support your community as a volunteer? I hope to raise funds to support Alzheimer’s Association so that all communities have resources available in care and support. I am hopeful that the number of people who become involved will raise the funds needed to find the first cured. Further, those who participate on Walk Day will show the community that it is an important and worthy cause due to their involvement.
Why should someone sign up for Walk to End Alzheimer’s? Walk to End Alzheimer’s creates a community bond, as statistics show that, sadly, each of us will know one person who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s allows involvement in a good cause through actions and not only funds.
How can someone get involved in Walk to End Alzheimer’s?
– www.alz.org.
– Join a team – no donation required
– Create a team with co-workers
– Create a team with friends and family
What’s your favorite thing to do in your community? What do you like most about your community? My favorite thing to do in my community is to build relationships. As owner of Florida Swim School and expert in water safety, my team and I are educating the community on the importance of learning to swim. The families who attend Florida Swim School are trusting my team and me with their children. This trust allows me to share my involvement with Walk to End Alzheimer’s as a worthy cause that others may become involved in. The more people I create relationships with, the more I can bring to Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Join Kara and the St. Andrew’s Aquatics team in Boca Raton on November 13, or start your own team.
