Birmingham Boulders Alzheimer’s Benefit
Birmingham Boulders 136 Industrial Dr, Birmingham, Alabama 35211
When Nancy Harrington’s mother was just 52 years old, doctors diagnosed her with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s disease. Prior to her diagnosis, Nancy’s mother was known for her adventurous spirit— always finding trips that would take her family off the beaten path and create unique memories. That’s why after her mother’s diagnosis, Nancy chose to hike all 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail in her honor. But after just two months on the trail, it became clear her mother’s condition was quickly worsening, so Nancy paused her journey to return home. She planned to complete her hike the following summer, but also wanted to leverage her experience to help people like her mom. Nancy contacted the Alzheimer’s Association and after learning about all the ways we're battling Younger Onset Alzheimer’s, she chose to finish her hike, but this time, she’d raise money and awareness for our cause along the way. Nancy’s mother died on June 18th, 2015 and just three days later, Nancy set off to finish the Appalachian Trail. On October 6th, 2015 she completed her journey and had raised $7,000 dedicated to Alzheimer’s research along the way. This June, she’s calling on the Birmingham community to help her honor her mother again. On June 22, Nancy will host a community event at her climbing gym, Birmingham Boulders. She’ll share her mother’s story and collect donations that’ll help the Alzheimer’s Association continue our work to find a cure — something that would change the lives of the 200,000 Americans currently living withYounger Onset Alzheimer’s. We’d like to invite you to share Nancy’s story and help her raise awareness around Alzheimer’s disease, which currently affects 94,000 Alabamians. Please contact Jessica Miller with the Alabama Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at jcmiller@alz.org or at 205-379-8065 ex. 2326 to coordinate an interview.