The Jefferson Primary School community will stage a walk on Friday around the school’s traffic circle to support the Alzheimer’s Association and its fight against an insidious disease that affects the memory, thinking and behavior of more than six million Americans.
Sponsored by Jefferson’s third grade leadership team and its faculty advisors, Dr. Kathleen Ozimkowski and Julie Dooher, the school’s first ever “Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” the initiative has drawn a large degree of support from the community.
“Throughout the Long Island area, thousands of families are facing this progressive and ultimately fatal disease,” states a letter signed by Jefferson Primary School Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide, Dr. Ozimkowski and Ms. Dooher. “This disease can hit very close to home as many of our Jaguar families are currently struggling with the pain of this awful disease in their very own family.”
Students who choose to participate will march around the traffic circle along with other members of their grade for 30 minute blocks of time. Many of the youngsters will be holding handmade signs celebrating the power of unity and teamwork in making the world a better place.
Parents and family members are invited to participate in the walk during their child’s designated time. “Our goal is to promote awareness and raise funds for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and the family members who love and cherish them,” states the promotional letter.
If it rains on Friday, the event will be held on Monday, May 16.