North Reading Man Raises Alzheimer's Awareness

Dennis Marasca of North Reading will participate in the Greater Boston Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sunday, Sept. 27 at North Point Park in Cambridge.

Marasca’s wife Elaine was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at 53 years old in 2007, and it was a complete shock to the entire family. Dennis cared for Elaine for several years at home, often taking her to work with him when she was unable to stay at home by herself. Elaine’s decline was rapid, in 2011, Marascahad to make the devastating decision to put his wife of 30 years into a nursing home.

“I knew in my heart that she needed 24 hour care,” said Marasca. “Nowadays I try to visit at least three times a day and share as many meals with her as I can. I also try to bring her home on the weekend days to sit but the pool and spend time with family.”

Six years ago, Marasca decided to fight back against Alzheimer’s by joining the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The family formed Elaine’s Campaign team, each year they host a Dinner and Dance fundraiser where proceeds go to the Walk. The event brings in about 200 people each year and so far they have raised over $65,000 for Alzheimer’s.

“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 www.alzwalkMANH.org.