Kati Ingerson, public relations chairwoman for Sigma Kappa, did not just participate in the 2010 Memory Walk for her sorority, this year, it was personal. Her grandfather recently passed away from Alzheimer's disease, so this year she said she walked for him.
Sigma Kappa spent their Sunday afternoon walking to promote awareness and support for Alzheimer's disease research.
The 5 km walk was hosted on the campus of Indiana University Purdue University's Carroll Stadium and more than 3,500 people participated. Overall, the goal of the entire event was $600,000. Sigma Kappa was able to donate more than $2,800 to the association, according to a press release. According to the Memory Walk website on Monday night, $358,102 has been collected so far.
"Even the small contribution we made still means so much to Alzheimer's research," Ingerson said. "We are down there walking for a reason, for me it is very near and dear to my heart, and I know my sisters are down there and they have had a close connection."
President of Sigma Kappa Ashley Ariss said the most important part is just being a part of the movement.
"A lot of us have dedicated our lives [to Alzheimer's research] through going to nursing homes or the participating in the walk," Ariss said.
Sigma Kappa's philanthropy is gerontology with a focus on Alzheimer's disease. The Sigma Kappa Foundation was incorporated in 1989 and is a not-for-profit that has given more than $1 million in funds for Alzheimer's disease research according to their website.
Alzheimer's is a progressive and debilitating neurological disorder that affects approximately 120,000 Hoosiers according to a press release.
"Just being there and walking for a real reason and not just because we are supposed to be there separates us and makes us stand out," Ingerson said.
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