MALDEN — Christie Silva of Malden will participate in the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Boston Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the fifth time this year.
But for the first time, she will not be accompanied by her grandmother.
This past January, Silva’s grandmother, Maria Batista of Cambridge, lost her battle with Alzheimer’s, but her granddaughter’s commitment to the cause continues in her memory. “This is the only way I know how to help,” Silva said.
This year’s walk will be Sunday, Sept. 24 at North Point Park in Cambridge.
Silva’s grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s more than six years ago, but it was new to everyone in the family.
“Before her diagnosis, I really didn’t know much about Alzheimer’s,” Silva said. “Now having lived through this experience it is my mission to make sure I do my part so there is a cure for this disease.”
Silva will participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s with a team of family and friends. To date, she has helped raise nearly $10,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. She credits the Alzheimer’s Association with helping support her family through her grandmother’s journey with the disease.
“This organization has helped myself and my family get through some very difficult times. I always tell people how incredibly helpful the (Alzheimer’s Association) 24/7 Helpline is,” she said, adding, “I called it over the years for advice and sometimes just an ear to listen. If I called them crying or upset, I always ended the call calmer, feeling better and sometimes a bit more in control.”
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Association’s stated mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
“In order to reclaim the future for millions, we need dedicated people like Christie (Silva) to join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” Jayne Paragona, Vice President of Development for the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts Chnr said in a statement. “The dollars raised fund those crucial support services while allowing us to invest in research towards treatment and a cure.”
