Ross and Florence Messer, organizers of the walk (Photo by Amanda Kaminski and Florence Messer)
Camille Esterman
The desire to continue their daughter Michelle’s fight against a dreadful disease motivated Florence and Ross Messer to promote the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Michelle lost her life at age 52, four-years after being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.
Restrictions due to COVID-19 led to the cancellation of the official Arizona walk in Tucson, so the Messer’s arranged a community walk at SaddleBrooke Ranch. On Oct. 31, approximately 30 residents assembled outside of the Sol Ballroom. Dressed in purple, wearing face masks, and carrying flags and banners, walkers set out on a two-mile loop to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is a horrific disease that robs a person of their memories and dignity. Five million people are currently living with this disease. The annual walk raises funds for research and care, hoping that one day survivors will be participants.
In her effort to recruit walkers, Florence posted the following message on Next Door: “There is no way out … all the doors are closed … the exit door is the one with a cure … please join our team, SBR Memories Matter.”
The efforts of the Messer’s raised $8,225 for The Alzheimer’s Association.
Florence and Ross want to thank everyone in the community for their support and appreciate the help of SBR management in setting up this event.