October 26, 2011/-KINGSTON, ON – Imagine for a moment not being able to remember the incredible milestones in your life and the loving faces of family and friends. This is what it would be like to be living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Imagine being able to cherish all your incredible milestones, but you can’t speak the words or move your body to express those memories. This is what it would be like to be living with ALS.

What do these two diseases have in common? They are both neurological diseases that are devastating for the patient, but also for their families who experience a roller coaster ride of emotions and physical demands.

Two local runners, Donna Fitzgerald and Patti Dixon-Medora, know first-hand what it is like to care for loved ones affected by these neurological diseases.  They decided to make a difference in their own way, by raising awareness and money to help the families of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and ALS. Their team name is "Mind and Muscle", which speaks for itself.

The two friends recently ran the Wineglass Half-Marathon in Corning, New York, the “9 Run Run” event in Stittsville and they are planning to participate in more half-marathons. Together they’ve already raised more than $700 in pledges and donations.

Patti, who works for Providence Care's Geriatric Psychiatry Outreach Program, and Donna, who is a medical secretary at Hotel Dieu Hospital, are running to support health care in our community.

As Donna explains, “Patti and I are running to make a difference because it is something that brings us joy and a sense of accomplishment, and we realize how blessed we are to have our health and running ability.”

Each woman is running and raising funds for a cause dear to their hearts. Patti is running to raise awareness for the Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, and the money she collects she will donate to the Society’s spousal education and support programs.

Donna is raising money to designate toward ventilator rooms at the new Providence Care Hospital, to benefit ALS patients and their families. These specialized rooms are equipped to support individuals who require a ventilator to assist their breathing.

Team “Mind and Muscle” invites everyone in the community to support their initiative which will help persons living with dementia and ALS, and their partners in care, as Alzheimer’s and ALS takes hold of their everyday lives. Patti says their message is simple, “Hope is in education and understanding – you can be a part of the hope that these families need.”

Pledges can be sent to:

Mind and Muscle c/o Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, 175 Rideau Street, lower level, Kingston, ON   K7K 3H6

Mind and Muscle c/o University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, Ste. 201, 366 King St., East, Kingston ON   K7K 6Y3, or donate on-line at www.uhkf.ca

About the Alzheimer Society
The Alzheimer Society is a non-profit organization and registered charity that offers support, education, and advocacy for families of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Society also focuses on raising money to help find a cure and cause for the disease.

About the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation
University Hospitals Kingston Foundation is the fundraising arm for Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Care.  Created in 2005, the Foundation raises money for programs, equipment, education and research that benefit the 500,000 people in Kingston and Southeastern Ontario served by the three teaching hospitals.  To find out more about giving opportunities or to make a donation call 613-549-5452 or toll free 866-549-5452 or go online to www.kingstonhospitalsfoundation.ca

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Contact:

Mary Crawford
University Hospitals Kingston Foundation
Phone: (613) 549-5452 Ext. 5908
Email: mary.crawford@uhkf.ca

Vicky Poffley
Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington
Phone: (613) 544-3078
vpoffley@alzking.com