Pictured is the 2020 Committee for Walk to De-Feet Dementia scheduled for April 25, 2020 at Fairfield Park in Kinston.  Committee members from left to right: (standing) Betsy Griffin, Sue Shivar, Kelvin Greene, and Misty Ward.  Sitting from left to right:  Amanda Haddock, Adria Williams and Briana Boyette.  Not pictured:  John Smith, Jessica Shimer, and Adelina Cerritos. Submitted photo.

Lenoir County is gearing up for the 6th Annual Lenoir County Walk to De-Feet Dementia! The walk and fundraising ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 25th at Fairfield Park located at 800 Greenbrier Road in Kinston. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. with local legend, Bryan Hanks, kicking off the opening ceremonies at 9:00 a.m. 

Festivities will include: 

• Special Guests Senator Jim Perry, Representative Chris Humphrey and Mayor Don Hardy 

• Appearances by Frozen's Anna and Elsa, Captain America and The Little Mermaid herself 

• Live Music provided by J. Lane 

• Local Vendors Raffles Zumba warm-up before the "Walk of Awareness and Remembrance" 

"The Walk to De-Feet Dementia is just one way our community comes together to fight against a disease that affects so many families in Lenoir County," states Chairperson, Sue Shivar. Shivar, who also facilitates a support group at UNC Lenoir for the caregivers of those suffering from Dementia, states she is proud that each year the walk is attracting more and more support. In 2019, the walk raised over $29,000. Our goal for 2020 is $30,000. All monies raised stay within North Carolina. 

We estimate there are 1000 families in Lenoir County and surrounding areas that have a family member diagnosed with Dementia. With more than 170,000 people in NC impacted by all forms of Dementia, including Alzheimer's, there is a great need to invest in supporting caregivers, providing education, and supporting research that improves the quality of life and gives hope to families facing the challenge of this disease. 100% of the donations received at the Lenoir County Walk support the Dementia Alliance of NC. In 2019, this organization donated $100,000 to Duke University and $100,000 to ECU to provide support for research initiatives for finding a cure for Dementia. 

Anyone interested in being a part of the Walk to De-Feet Dementia can do so by forming a walk team and challenging others to do the same. You can make an individual contribution or you can be a Corporate Sponsor. For more information about walk teams and donations, visit www.dementianc.org/lenoir2020 or contact Adria Williams at 252-269-3833/adwilliams@shccs.com. Businesses, individuals, or groups interested in becoming a sponsor may contact Sue Shivar at 252-526-7242 or shivar2008@embarqmail.com or Amanda Haddock at 252-361-1750 or knmktg@hhhunt.com.