The Alzheimer's Association-Aloha Chapter Memory Walk/5K Run today at Ala Moana Beach Park is linked with an "Operation Ohana" a nationwide effort that came together after Sept. 11 to support the Alzheimer's Association chapter in New York City. Memory Walk links
to Operation Ohana
Star-Bulletin staff
Janet Bender, Aloha Chapter executive director, was instrumental in developing the national ohana of Alzheimer's chapters after receiving "frantic e-mails " Sept. 11 from John Jager, executive director of the New York City chapter.
He told her their Memory Walk "was supposed to go right through ground zero (the world Trade Center Plaza) on Oct. 7." He said they were trying to decide what to do.
The site used to start and end the race was being used as a staging area for the rescue efforts, he said.
Bender said each morning after the tragic events she passed by the Honolulu Memory Walk site, across the street from the Aloha Chapter office on Ala Moana Boulevard.
She said she was moved by the area's peacefulness and tranquility and "overwhelmed with compassion and a desire to help Alzheimer's Association chapter in New York City.
"The Honolulu Walk was held Sept. 8, 2001, but what would happen to the New York City Memory Walk and the families there who would benefit from it?"
She pledged to raise $100 from the Aloha Chapter for the New York City walk last year and called 134 association chapters nationwide to join her in a similar commitment.
She invited all chapters to come together as an ohana to support their sister chapter, saying, "This tragedy has the potential to affect each and every one of us."
Operation Ohana was formed Sept. 20, followed by e-mail responses, messages of support and pledges to raise funds for families served in the New York City area. Through generosity and support of the National Alzheimer's Association and chapters across the country, more than $41,000 was raised for the New York City walk.
The Aloha Chapter staff prepared a special "Aloha Care Package" for the 25 staff members in New York City, including Honolulu Memory Walk T-shirts and Hawaii mementos .
Hawaii Memory Walks also will be held Sept. 14 on Kauai and Sept. 28 in Hilo and on Maui. Money from the local Memory Walks is used to support programs and services for an estimated 20,000 islanders suffering Alzheimer's disease.
For more information about the Memory Walks, programs and services of the Aloha Chapter, call 591-2771. Neighbor islands can call toll free 1-877-43-ALOHA.
