FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2013
Courtesy of Saint Michael's Athletics Communications
COLCHESTER, Vt. - The Saint Michael's College men's ice hockey team continued its collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association, Vermont Chapter on Sept. 22, as the squad volunteered at the Vermont Walk to End Alzheimer's for the third straight year at the Shelburne Museum. The Walk, which is the organization's largest event, raises funds and awareness for the fight against Alzheimer's. As of Oct. 1, 669 walkers had combined to raise $110,229.40.
"The Saint Michael's College men's ice hockey program is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful experience," said head coach Damian DiGiulian, who was appreciative of Joany Simonds '11, the marketing and development coordinator at the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, for getting his team involved. "We want to thank Joany for including our student-athletes in such a great event. We will continue to be involved with the Alzheimer's Association of Vermont and help out in any way that we can. I would also like to thank assistant coach Brent Truchon and his family for their support of this great cause. He and his family do a terrific job in helping those who suffer from this illness, and he is a great representative of our program."
The Purple Knights appeared in their road purple uniforms, donning a color that shows support for the Alzheimer's Association's cause. During the event, the student-athletes helped set up the course and clean up the grounds, aided at sign-in, helped those in need get around in order to participate, and planted many of the Promise Flowers. One of the highlights of the Walk, registered participants receive a Promise Flower, making a commitment to fulfill their promise to remember, to honor, to care and to fight Alzheimer's. Each Promise Flower bears a message personally hand-written by participants.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 5.4 million Americans currently live with an Alzheimer's diagnosis; more than 11,000 Vermonters have Alzheimer's or a related dementia, and nearly 30,000 Vermonters serve as caregivers to someone with dementia. The organization provides care and support, programs and services, and is the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research. For more information, visit alz.org, or contact Simonds in the local office at jsimonds@alz.org. To reach the 24/7 Helpline, call (800) 272-3900.
