Community Corner

Hingham Woman Committed to Alzheimer Cause

The Alzheimer's Association, with headquarters in Watertown, has regional offices in Springfield, Raynham, and Worcester, MA and Bedford and Lebanon, NH.

Claudia Schutz of Hingham will be joining the movement to end Alzheimer’s disease at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s taking place in Cambridge on Sunday, September 29. Schutz will walk in honor of her mother, Mildred May.

“The support for Alzheimer’s disease grows every year,” says Schutz. “When you see the number of people wearing purple during the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, it is just overwhelming.”

This year marks Schutz’s sixth year participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s as captain of her team, “Schutz Memory Striders.” Schutz became involved in the Walk when her daughter, Megan Schutz, began working with the Alzheimer’s Association in 2006. 

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“It has become a family tradition for us and my kids are very much committed to the Alzheimer’s cause,” said Schutz. As a caregiver to her 90 year-old mother Mildred, Schutz developed a strong voice in advocating the need for more affordable Alzheimer’s care facilities. 

“Financially I think it's very hard on the family of those caring for Alzheimer’s patients. There just aren't enough places in-between home care and nursing home that specialize in the type of care Alzheimer’s patients need.” In support of her mother’s long battle with Alzheimer’s Schutz became committed to the Alzheimer’s cause. 

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“The Walk is such a nice thing to do and show your support. When I walk I think about the future of Alzheimer’s disease and what we can do for my generation.”

By participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Schutz will be helping to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and money to support research, programs and services for the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter.

“There has never been a greater need to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said James Wessler, President/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter.  “We are truly grateful to Claudia and all of those participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for their commitment.”

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.  As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. The disease has a significant impact on family members, with nearly 15 million providing care to a loved one, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Anyone can contribute to Schutz Memory Striders at www.alzwalkMANH.org or learn more about participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.


–The Alzheimer’s Association


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