By Dante Nunez, KTEN News

DENISON, Texas — Runners laced up their shoes for the 14th annual Texoma Caregiver Celebration Walk to raise funds and awareness for loved ones who have passed and those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“I really want to support caregivers in any way that I can,” said Olivia Lewis. “I lost my grandfather to Alzheimer’s when I was a kid.”

The Texoma Council of Governments aims to improve the quality of life for those living with chronic illnesses and other diseases.

“I remember the home-health caregivers coming and supporting him at his last years, so I really just want to do anything that I can to give back… even if it’s giving $20 to participate,” Lewis said.

The funds generated from Saturday’s event at Grayson College assist all individual caregivers and will remain in Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties.

“It is an event to raise funds to help with programs, and programs that help caregivers of family members who have Alzheimer’s and dementia,” local elder care director Rick Wilson said.

The community also brought their furry friends for a dog costume contest to help raise more money.

“We’re all just trying to bring people out to participate in the Caregiver Walk to make money for TCOG, said Toni Wheeler of Home Hospice.

But for Olivia Lewis, events like these mean so much to her.

“I think it’s important, especially grateful for Grayson College for hosting this and sponsoring this and really showing support for our county and our local needs… especially needing health and wellness needs in our community,” she said.

The American Association of Retired Persons says caregiver services are valued at $470 billion annually.

Source: http://www.kten.com/story/41053434/celebrating-caregivers-at-denison-event

SHERMAN, TX—Saturday morning hundreds of people threw on their tennis shoes and grabbed their friends to help raise money for caregivers in Texoma.

Walkers spent a few minutes warming up their muscles before taking a quick lap around the Fairview Park in Sherman.

“We’re here to say thank you to all the caregivers around the county 24/7, 365 days a year,” Ron Keech with Grayson Place said.

For the 10th year in a row, Texoma Council of Governments has set up the “Texoma Caregiver Walk”. The walk raises money to help families caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses.

“Those that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, chronic illnesses,” Judy Conner with TCOG Aging Services said.

TCOG explains that studies show, Alzheimer’s affects 1 in 3 people. And over 4 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Many times the caregivers are unpaid friends and family members. The donations in turn give them a chance to take care of themselves.

“Just breaks from their care giving duties. So they can take care of their own doctor’s appointments. The caregivers can then go into the grocery store to pick up whatever they need,” Conner said.

Quality Home Health Care won the award for the most walkers at the event. They said they’re proud to raise money helping these volunteers get some rest.

“The caregivers that go into this respite that we’re sponsoring is to help give them relief,” Deborah Bates with Quality Home Health Care said.

TCOG said each $500 sponsorship provides about 33 hours of respite care to a caregiver.

All funds raised remain in the Grayson, Fannin and Cooke counties. Walkers hope to raise about $15,000 for caregivers.

Originally posted at http://www.kten.com/story/30017123/texoma-walks-to-raise-money-for-caregivers