Walking for a cure
Full Life nurse leads our efforts to fight Alzheimer’s
Kelly Nissell leads the team in the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
UPDATE Sept. 30: The Full Life Team has surpassed its fundraising goal! Check it out here: https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=641585&pg=team&fr_id=13717.
For the better part of the last decade, Full Life’s Adult Day health Nursing Manager Kelly Nissell has been team captain for our participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
But this year, for Kelly, it’s even more personal.
Kelly and her dog Penny; and fellow RN Raili Calvert and her dog Abby, at the 2016 Walk.
“I just found out yesterday that a very close friend was diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer’s,” Kelly said Tuesday afternoon. “She’s only in her early 50s. It’s harsh.”
Kelly’s grandmother also suffered from the disease. And in 35 years of practicing nursing, she has seen countless clients and their families struggle to deal with Alzheimer’s effects.
This will be the 10th year that Full Life’s Everett Adult Day Health Center staff has participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This year’s walk takes place Oct. 3. Kelly has created our team page and you can join in by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/3jK1A6y.
In years past the event was held as a large gathering. This year, in the interests of staying safe and healthy in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alzheimer’s Association is asking participants to walk in small teams of friends and family all across the country. You can find more information about the national event and locations of community walks here.
While the event may be different, the cause is the same.
Finding a cure.
The annual fundraising event of the Alzheimer’s Association is just one of the ways people can help to fight this devastating disease.
“The walk itself is a fun event and we all enjoy it,” she said. “But it’s a nasty disease and we walk for a serious purpose.
“So, why do I do this? I do it to help find money for a cure, to fund the research. I do it for my many patients and clients over 35 years. I do it for my Grandmother. I do it for all the families dealing with Alzheimer’s. I do it for my friend.
Full Life’s 2017 team.
“It’s very personal.”
“Everyone on our team is aware of the need for a cure,” Kelly said. “Every one of us has had experience with this disease at some level. We all know that a cure requires more research and research requires funding.”
“So, that’s why I walk. To help.”
