Princeton Local Hosts Walk To End Alzheimer’s In Honor Of Dad

PRINCETON, NJ — It was in 2011 when Beth Beers’ life would change forever. She found out her father, James H. Bryson, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and since then she has been deeply involved in efforts to find a cure.

Beers is now chairing the Walk to End Alzheimer's for Mercer County through the NJ Chapter of the National Alzheimer's Association. The walk — which raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research — will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. in Veterans Park in Hamilton.

Since 2011 Beers has been "very deeply invested and involved" in her father’s support and care. She served as his primary caregiver throughout a lot of the process.

"I went through a tough time of being a caregiver and seeing him suffering," Beers said. "I felt like I was losing him in the process. I also felt blessed to have the extra time with my dad. If he had been well, who knows if we would have continued on with our lives and not had as much time together."

Beers' father died in June.

Throughout the process Beers began researching the disease and noticed a lack of resources to help her make the best decisions for his care. Things have improved since 2011, but not enough.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States with one in three seniors dying with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. More than 5 million Americans are also living with the disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

"I believe Alzheimers is like AIDS in the 1980’s because currently there is no known cure," Beers said.

Wanting to make a difference and help others Beers started participating in the Alzheimer's Association’s annual walk for the past four years. This is the first year she is chairing the event.

Being involved has helped Beers make connections with others dealing with the same disease, who truly understand the pain associated with it. It also allows her to make a difference and provide education for those dealing with the disease.

Registration for the walk is open online now and also available at the event beginning at 8:30 a.m. To register or to donate to the Alzheimer's Association click here.

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