Planting a Promise Garden

Today I made a promise. Not a promise to anyone in particular, just a promise to myself.    The inspiration for that promise came from a garden that will be planted on Sept. 10. 

On that day at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a 5k walk that is raising funds for the fight against Alzheimer’s, flowers will be planted in a garden. This Promise Garden will consist of flowers in four different colors. The four colors represent variations in supporters' connection to the disease. Blue flowers are for those with Alzheimer's. Yellow flowers are for those who know someone with the disease. Purple flowers are for those who've lost someone to this disease and orange flowers are for those who "just care” and want to support the cause.

 Participants will have an opportunity to write a personal message on their promise flower to further strengthen their dedication. The flowers will be placed at the end of the 5k walk and everyone will have the opportunity to stroll through the garden to read each other’s stories. At the end of the day participants will be able to take their flower home as a remembrance of their Walk experience and the promise they made.

Today, 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Another American develops Alzheimer’s disease every 69 seconds. By 2050, as many as 16 million Americans will have the disease. It's not really a question of if this terrible condition will touch your life, but when. So, what color is your flower?

As for my promise, it’s not a secret promise, but if you would like to know what it is then you will have to show up at the Walk on September 10.  Look for a purple flower with my initials on it. It will be a short message, but one worth reading and remembering.

A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.
-Jackie Robinson