June 18, 2022
This June, during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging individuals to spend time together with those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. There is no better way than to spend it enjoying America’s favorite pastime — baseball. Reggie Walker, once drafted by the Cleveland Indians and who is now battling Alzheimer’s, will throw the first pitch.
The original players on The Monarchs were trailblazers, courageous pioneers, part of a movement and Alzheimer’s advocates are the same. The Monarchs will host Alzheimer’s Awareness Night at Legends Field on June 30 when the Cleburne Railroaders play the Kansas City Monarchs at 7:00 p.m. This is a fantastic opportunity to encourage discussion about Alzheimer’s and share information about free resources for all communities to access and enjoy a great game of baseball.
Reggie Walker was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2017. He and his wife, Karen, have chosen to embrace his Alzheimer’s diagnosis and as Reggie says, “We will work with what we can control.” Reggie has always loved sports. Karen says, “Sports has made Reggie the man he is today.”
Reggie and Karen Walker are involved in an Alzheimer’s clinical trial that focuses on physical activity. They work out three times a week. In addition to exercise, the Walkers love listening to music, watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs on TV and spending time with their two sons and grandchildren.
During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages everyone to learn more about disease-related challenges facing those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Educating yourself and others about the disease is one of the best ways to reduce stigma and misperceptions. The Alzheimer’s Association offers guidance for navigating every stage of the disease. At alz.org, you will find information about caregiving, brain health, and much more.
For more information about Alzheimer’s or the Alzheimer’s Association, please call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. For information about Alzheimer’s Awareness Night at The Monarchs, visit this website: tinyurl.com/2P8K9DH4.
