Chestnut Ridge Residents Help Fight Alzheimer’s
Over the past few months, residents of Chestnut Ridge at Rodale have been steadily raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s largest non-profit funder of Alzheimer’s research and care.
Led by residents Lori and Jerry Epler, the Chestnut Ridge community hosted multiple fundraising events on campus, including bake sales, auctions, basket raffles, and more.
This selfless act of charity and community culminated in the day of the local Lehigh Valley chapter’s “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” on Saturday, September 20. A group of 37 “walkers” on the Chestnut Ridge team (made up of residents, staff, and family members) participated in the festivities at the ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem, PA.
Beautiful, sunny weather framed the day, as residents donned Alzheimer’s Association shirts and carried Team Chestnut Ridge signs. The team posed for a celebratory group photo in front of the impressive Steel Stacks before the walk began.
With a successful campaign coming to a close, the Chestnut Ridge community is thrilled to reveal that, in total, the team raised $11,322 for the fight against Alzheimer’s, exceeding their goal of $5,000! Furthermore, Team Chestnut Ridge was the 4th highest earner in the entire Lehigh and Delaware Valley!
The Lehigh Valley chapter itself raised $272,109 in total.
“To have seen the Chestnut Ridge community come together in this way is truly inspiring,” says Lifestyle Specialist Kristin Pekarik. “It’s proof that we can make a difference when we work alongside each other for good.”
Lori Epler is overwhelmingly proud of the Chestnut Ridge community’s response to these fundraising efforts, and rightfully so.
“Alzheimer’s can often feel like a hopeless challenge, but this fundraising effort has allowed me and our community to channel our efforts into something tangible,” says Lori. Residents had quickly found themselves championing this project in the same way that football fans champion their home teams.
Alzheimer’s is, unfortunately, a disease that nursing homes like Phoebe must continue to grapple with. For Lori Epler in particular, this fundraising campaign was personal.
Lori’s mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, passed away this year. Lori graciously recounts the overwhelming emotional support of the Chestnut Ridge community shortly thereafter.
With full community backing, the Eplers can now proudly share their impact on the future of Alzheimer’s research.
“She would have wanted me to do this,” says Lori, reflecting on her mother and the campaign. “We’re happy to have been able to do something.”
Congratulations to Lori Epler and Team Chestnut Ridge for their amazing efforts to help end Alzheimer’s.
Written by Dominic Trabosci
