By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — The fabric flowers being planted in the Promise Garden on the town common Sunday afternoon in recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day were bright and colorful. On their petals were written the names of loved ones lost to the disease (purple), loved ones living with it (blue), those who support someone who has it (yellow) or those advocating for a world without Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia (orange).
But the one color everyone wished they could plant in this Promise Garden is white — in recognition of the fight for the first person to survive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Until that day arrives, a white flower represents the hope for a cure.
The event, held on the bandstand on the Town Common to kick off a week-long slate of “North Reading Goes Purple” activities in support of those living with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia as well as those who care for them, was attended by a small but dedicated group of people committed to this cause.
Organized by the threesome of Laura Gallant Campbell, Claudette Thompson and Melissa Austin, they advocated earlier this month to have the Select Board proclaim September as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in town and they hope the idea takes root and grows each year. Laura, who grew up in town, moved back to her hometown with her husband a few years ago after her mother, Donna, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to help care for her.
Also among the participants on Sunday were Scott and Laurette Burgess, both of whom are cycling enthusiasts who serve as the local ambassadors for the Ride to End Alz New England with the goal of recruiting more cyclists to participate in the event which features routes of 30, 60 or 100 miles along the New Hampshire coast to accommodate riders of all abilities.
Next year’s ride is June 6, 2026. They ride to honor the memory of Scott’s grandmother, Audrey (Batchelder) Perry. He recalled his grandmother as a vivacious person. After her diagnosis he and his family witnessed firsthand the devastating effect this disease had because she lived with his family and they became her caregivers.
Several programs on Alzheimer’s awareness have already been held this week, including an in-person presentation at the Senior Center and two virtual programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), one on the warning signs of the disease and the other for caregivers entrusted with managing the finances of those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. China Cuisine hosted a fundraiser last night after press time and the Horseshoe Grille is hosting one tonight. Both restaurants are donating a percentage of their sales to the local Alzheimer’s awareness efforts.
The Flint Memorial Library has also organized a collection of reading materials in a first floor display on Alzheimer’s disease for all ages ranging from children’s books such as “Grandma Forgets” to “The 36-hour Day.”
A “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” fundraising event will be held in Andover at Brickstone Square on Sunday, October 19. For details visit act.alz.org.