Local Family Walking for Alzheimer's Research Again

It's hard these days for Irene Acker and Evelyn Cramer to keep their family members in mind. So, Rebecca Cramer and her family are asking for others to.

Cramer, a Miller Place resident, real estate agent and printing shop owner – and granddaughter to two woman who have been struck with Alzheimer's Disease – is leading a team for the second year in a row to raise funds for Alzheimer's research. Her family's team, named "Keep Me in Mind," is walking in the Second Annual Walk to End Alzheimer's at the end of August in Riverhead.

Having seen both of her grandparents diagnosed with Alzheimers – Acker, about seven years ago, and Cramer, two years ago – she said on Monday that the past few years have been difficult ones on the family.

"It's really tough. You are constantly worrying about her," said Cramer, who Miller Place-Rocky Point Patch readers voted as the Greatest Person of 2012. "Not only do they forget memories, but eventually you forget how to chew, swallow and walk. It's not only the memories, but the physical stuff also."

Acker – the mother of four and grandmother to nine children, who has lived in North Carolina for the past 40 years – had to move into a 24/7 care home recently specifically for Alzheimer's patients. And while Cramer's paternal grandmother – a lifelong Miller Place resident who worked in the school district and has two kids and five grandchildren – lives across the street from Rebecca's parents, forgetfulness still keeps the family worried often.

Last year's inaugural walk raised about $30,000 in total, and Cramer said her squad – which consisted of her mom, dad, sister, aunt, uncle, her boyfriend and others – led the pack in terms of fundraising, topping $4,000.

Though the walk is brief – it starts at Grangebel Park in downtown Riverhead, on the west side of Peconic Lane, and goes up the river to the Long Island Aquarium – the cost to attend the walk ($100) includes a day of admission to the aquarium and a lunch, with raffles held as well. Donors who choose not to walk, but would still like to donate, can keep the Cramers in mind on their team website, or visit them on Facebook.