NEW LONDON, Conn. — More than half of the residents at the New London Rehabilitation Facility are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Amarilys Saluk has grown passionate about fighting the disorder because of her care for this special population.
She says, "Seeing them not remember their family members, not knowing their names, knowing that that in their young days they were doctors, nurses, pilots, and not remember their names, it’s sad to see that".
Saluk hopes that there will be a day when no one has to face the diagnosis that destroys memory and that everyone can live a fulfilling life until the very end.
So, she decided to help in the fight.
"I want to hope they find a cure for those that are starting to have this problem [and] for those that I want a cure, so they don’t have to go through this," Saluk said.
This year, she will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, but she has been running towards her fundraising goal - bringing in over $20,000 for the effort.
A special ceremony is held before the walk with flowers each year.
Flowers are a special part of the Alzheimer’s Association, as flowers don't stop growing with challenges just like the participants don't stop their efforts despite what may come their way.
Money from walks like this one have gone towards research and advances in medication like Americans saw last summer with the FDA approval of two medications to slow the cognitive decline and allow families more time with their loved ones.
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Alexa Farrell is a reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at afarrell@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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