Full WECT News Article: https://www.wect.com/2024/10/14/alzheimers-pickleball-tournament-raises-awareness-those-affected-by-disease/
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A fundraiser for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place at Beau Rivage Golf and Resort on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 13.
Money was raised for the event through a pickleball tournament.
It was organized by Alyssa Kelly from Comfort Keepers, an in-home care service for seniors in Wilmington.
Kelly thought it would be a great way to get everyone together to have fun for a good cause.
One participant says that is why she came out.
“This is what it’s all about, is being a community and loving one another and showing that you support people during hard time,” says Heather Ashworth.
Ashworth has several family members who dealt with Alzheimer’s and says it can be a difficult experience.
“It is a very bittersweet experience. You know that there’s nothing that you can really do, other than making sure they’re comfortable and stimulating them to keep their mind as long as possible, “says Ashworth.
She says her grandfather was on her mind while she was on the court.
“I’ll definitely be thinking about my grandpa in heaven...my grandpa would be so proud to see me out here,” says Ashworth.
And this sport has brought people of all ages to participate.
“Pickleball is for all ages. So we’ve got 20-year-olds here. We’ve got 45-year-olds and 80-year-olds who can kick anybody’s butt down the court. And I think everybody has had an experience with a loved one, but it’s just a fun way to get everybody together,” says Alyssa Kelly.
Kelly also wants to bring everyone together so they can learn about health resources.
“We’ve got a lot of information here. I mean, there’s resources for families who are caring for their loved ones, there’s grants for people to get care,” Kelly explains.
The experience of watching someone go through Alzheimer’s can be difficult, but using available resources can help lighten some of that weight.
“It’s really hard. Caregivers need rest, they need support, and a lot of people feel like they can’t ask for help,” says Ashworth “And I think that’s one of the stigmas that people with Alzheimer’s and their family members struggle with is reaching out.”
You can donate to or join Comfort Keepers of Wilmington's Walk to End Alzheimer's team here: https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=868401&pg=team&fr_id=17759
Alzheimer's Association Resources: https://www.alz.org/
