By GARRETT SAGER
Hays Post

Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects millions worldwide — many right here in our own community. Over the weekend, the Hays Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine.

“We were so excited with how it went. We had so much spirit here today,” said Jenny Leiker, co-chair of the Hays Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

More than 300 people showed up to help bring awareness and help raise money for Alzheimer’s.

The more than 300 is a new record of attendees, according to Leiker. Those in attendance were able to raise more than $21,000.

“When you have the whole community behind you, it’s just such an amazing support to stand on,” Leiker said. “We all have the same goal.”

The money raised comes up short of the target goal that was set by the Alzheimer’s Association, but donations are still being accepted.

“We still accept money through the end of November and the money from the crawl goes to our goal as well, so I am still hopeful that we will reach our goal,” Leiker said.

The Crawl to End Alz — a pub crawl — will be Oct. 29. All the proceeds from that event goes to the Alzheimer’s Association. The event is held in conjunction with the walk, and more information can be found here.

The walk event started with a touching introduction by co-chair Josh Clinkscales on why he walks.

Clinkscales works at Clinkscales Elder Law Practice in Hays. He mentioned they get many elderly clients who come in, but. of late. they are seeing more and more of those suffering from Alzheimer’s.

“We can write up a will, handle the estate, or help you protect your assets, but we can’t cure them — and that’s why I walk,” Clinkscales said.

The ceremonies began at 11:15 a.m. when Leiker led the group of walkers out of the open space in Big Creek Crossing toward Vine Street for the planting of the promise garden.

“That was really a special part of what we did today. It’s my favorite part that we do,” she said.

From there, walkers marched on their 2-mile journey as a part of the event.

The walk started along busy Vine Street. Leiker said last month she wanted the walk to take place along Vine so people could see what was taking place to help bring further awareness for the disease.

Many drivers drove by and waved at the walkers in purple in approval of what was taking place.

After the walk, all the walkers gathered inside Big Creek Crossing for bierocks and waited to see if their name would be called for one of the many prizes.

“We are so blessed to have the community of businesses behind us, as well,” Leiker said.

Many prizes were available for those participants.

“Everyone was excited about the Brown’s Shoe Fit, somebody can go in there and get any pair of athletic shoes they want,” Leiker said. “Crawford came through with a Traeger for us which was the first year for that.”

Walmart and Nex-Tech were some other businesses who helped contribute to the general prizes, but the list goes on, noted Leiker.

“We could not of done this event without these donations,” Leiker said.

To make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, click here.