Beverly Woman Has Personal Reason for Taking Part in Alzheimer's Walk

Julianne McKernan of Beverly will participate in the Northeastern Massachusetts Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on Sunday, Sept. 20 at Brickstone Park in Andover.

McKernan’s mother is living with Alzheimer’s. Four years ago, after a conversation with her nine siblings, Julianne made the decision to move her mother into her home to care for her.

“I had to give up a lot to keep her with me, but I don’t regret it at all,” said McKernan. “She did wonders for all of us kids and now it’s my turn to care for her.”

McKernan joins the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for her first year as captain of Team Marilyn, named after her mother. To date, the team has raised over $1880 for the event.

“If we are to be successful in finding effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, we will need thousands of people to commit to raising public awareness,” said Jim Wessler, president/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter. “The money raised by the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is critical to our fight against this disease. We are grateful to each person who makes a commitment to participate by walking, donating or volunteering.”

More than 5 million people in America are living with Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. For information or to sign-up to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, call 800-272-3900 or visit alzwalkMANH.org.