Street Team joins Walk to End Alzheimer's

Hundreds of people marched the streets of Downtown Detroit to put a stop to Alzheimer's last Friday. The Walk to End Alzheimer's is an annual event where participants and volunteers walk two miles to raise funds and awareness to fight the disease.

Many participants in the walk have known someone close to them who suffers from Alzheimer's. These participants separate into teams to represent the person or people they are walking for. Each team has their own personal story.

"My papa had Alzheimer's and he died of it last year," said Tawni Kenyon of team Willey Walkers. "We decided to get involved to raise awareness."

"We're a team in honor of my mother who died of Alzheimer's," said Lynn Schorn of team Audrey's Allies. "It's marvelous. For years and years and years we've done this."

"We are walking for my brother-in-law," said Michelle Starks of Team Billy. "The event is fantastic. It's well-organized and we're looking forward to the walk."

"We're here walking for all the people in our [senior living] buildings," Martha Teller of Team Oakmont said. "It's our second year but we plan to do it every year."

The walkers were cheered on in the streets by a variety of sponsors and ended their walk at Ford Field.

The people walking weren't the only heroes. A plethora of volunteers helped with information and organization of the walk itself.

"It's one of my favorite volunteering experiences," said Margaret Tripp, who has been volunteering for the event more than 20 years. "I believe in what the Alzheimer's Association is doing to help not only the person with Alzheimer's, but their families as well."

"Alzheimer's is one of the leading illnesses and sicknesses a lot of people have," said Deirdre Green, a volunteer. "I'm glad to be a part of the event."

The CW50 Street Team is glad to be a part of the event too, and looks forward to returning next year.