Alzheimer’s TN announces move to UT Gardens
Alzheimer’s Tennessee is moving its fundraising Walk to the University of Tennessee Gardens. The news was announced for the 25th annual event by former UT football coach Phillip Fulmer. The event will be held on April 18.
Former UT Football Coach, Phillip Fulmer, with UT Gardens Educator Derrick Stowell, Assistant Director James Newburn and Alzheimer’s Tennessee Executive Director Janice Wade-Whitehead plant a Redbud that is expected to have lavender blooms around the day of the Walk.
Alzheimer’s Tennessee is moving its fundraising Walk to the University of Tennessee Gardens. The news was announced for the 25th annual event by former UT football coach Phillip Fulmer. The event will be held on April 18.
Fulmer has personal reasons for helping promote the Walk. “My family looks at the Walk as a way to honor my mother who is living with Alzheimer’s, and I invite all sons, daughters, grandchildren, friends, colleagues and neighbors who value their memories to team up and walk with us,” he said.
He suggests making the day special. “Turn the Walk into your family reunion and unite for this important cause.”
According to Executive Director, Janice Wade-Whitehead, the blooming locale has themed the Walk’s mission. “With every step we take and every dollar we raise at our silver anniversary Walk this spring, we will sow ‘seeds of hope’ for families living with this disease today and for those who worry about the future impact of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.”
“Research shows that gardens have many therapeutic benefits for individuals who have Alzheimer’s,” said Derrick Stowell, UT Gardens educator.
“We have been providing therapeutic garden programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s,” Stowell added. “It is even more exciting that we are now able to offer our gardens to help raise awareness and support for Alzheimer’s Tennessee and those who are fighting this disease.”
Alzheimer’s Tennessee is not affiliated with the Alzheimer’s association. Donations to the organization only benefit Tennesseans fighting the disease.
Alzheimer’s Tennessee expounds on the pervasiveness of dementia, “Someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease every 67 seconds. It is estimated more than 120,000 Tennesseans are living with Alzheimer’s along with all of their families and caregivers,” according to research from Alzheimer’s Tennessee.
Walkers can visit www.alzTennessee.org/KnoxWalk2015 to register, donate or sign up to volunteer. Registration is free, but participants that donate at least $50 will receive a Walk t-shirt. Alzheimer’s Tennessee invites participants to attend the Walk early for live music, free food, and fun for children and pets.
An informational kickoff luncheon will be held at Buddy’s Barbecue Bearden Banquet Hall on Thursday, Feb. 26. To attend, contact Alzheimer’s Tennessee Director of Development, Kay Watson, at 865.544.6288 or kay.watson@TNalz.org.
UT Gardens is located next to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine on Jacob Drive.
Edited by Maggie Jones
