JANS - The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Rho Lambda Omega Chapter shed their pink and green attire and wore purple in support of World Alzheimer's Day, Friday, September 18.
Chapter members wore purple apparel and Alzheimer's awareness bracelets to show support for people with Alzheimer's disease and the loved ones who care for them. According to the Mississippi Department of Health, there were 925 related deaths in Mississippi. Paint It Purple is a statewide initiative sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health - Alzheimer's Disease Division, the Alzheimer's Association - Mississippi Chapter, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center - Mind Center. As a part of an awareness campaign, the ladies posted their photos to social media using the hashtag #akarloendalz.
On Saturday, September 19, the sorority sisters were among the 1,000 people on hand for the Central Mississippi Walk to End Alzheimer's at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Marilyn Reed, Rho Lambda Omega chapter health promotions co-chairman, was asked by the Alzheimer's Association - Mississippi Chapter to participate in the Promise Garden ceremony. The Promise Garden Ceremony is a hands on, mission-focused activity that allows participants to raise flowers representing their promise to remember, honor, care and fight for those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The flower garden colors are: blue - someone with Alzheimer's or dementia; purple - someone who has lost someone to the disease; yellow - someone who is currently supporting and caring for someone with Alzheimer's; and orange - someone who supports the cause and a vision for a world without Alzheimer's. Reed represented individuals who have lost someone to Alzheimer's disease.
During the ceremony, Sara Murphy, program coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association, recognized the work of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and particularly Rho Lambda Omega members. "Alpha Kappa Alpha has a four year partnership nationwide with the Alzheimer's Association. They are here to fight, support and bring much needed attention to the disease, especially in the African American community."
The Walk to End Alzheimer's, a three mile trek through downtown Jackson, is designed to raise funds to further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. The Rho Lambda Omega Alzheimer's awareness team has donated nearly $900 to the Alzheimer's Association this year.
In addition to the walk, the chapter has participated in a variety of activities to raise Alzheimer's disease awareness. "This summer, we hosted a Longest Day activity and provided information about brain health and caregiver support," said Sharon Bridges, Esq., Rho Lambda Omega president. "Chapter members attended Coffee with Congressman Gregg Harper. During this session sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association MS Chapter, they learned about the Hope for Alzheimer's Act, research, funding and ho w to become an advocate."
Other chapter events that will support the Alzheimer's Association and caregivers are: the AKA 5 K Run/ Walk and the Mississippi Respite Conference. The AKA 5K will be held October 3 at Tougaloo College. Race proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Rho Lambda Omega is a collaborative partner for the Mississippi Respite Conference. The conference, which will be held November 5 at the Mississippi E Center at Jackson State University, will offer training and support for caregivers.
For more information regarding Rho Lambda Omega, contact Sharon Bridges, Esq. at 601-624-3825.