By Dana Corwin, Office for Aging Services Director:
October brings the beautiful colors of autumn to Chautauqua County, but it is also an important time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
For me, this issue is deeply personal.
My own mother lived with Alzheimer’s disease. It was heartbreaking to watch the disease change her life and affect our family. But when I think of my mother, I don't want Alzheimer’s to define her. I want to remember the incredible woman she was—her strength, her humor, her love and the many memories we shared.
One of her favorite sayings was, “I am tougher than I look.” And believe me—she was!
Watching someone you love experience Alzheimer’s can bring difficult changes, uncertainty and new responsibilities for the entire family. But one thing remains constant: the person is still there and deserves dignity, patience, compassion and respect. That is why awareness matters.
Awareness can lead to action. Alzheimer’s is not simply a normal part of aging. Changes in memory or thinking that interfere with everyday life should be discussed with a health care professional. Early recognition can help families understand what is happening, plan for the future and connect with treatment, services and support.
It is also important to remember the caregivers. Family caregivers provide extraordinary love and support, but caregiving can be physically, emotionally and financially challenging. No caregiver should feel they have to do it alone.
Walking for Our Families and Our Future
On Saturday, October 3, 2026, our community will come together at Point Gratiot Park in Dunkirk for the Chautauqua County Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m., and the walk begins at 10:15 a.m.
The Walk is about much more than walking.
We walk to remember those we have lost.
We walk to honor those living with Alzheimer’s today.
We walk beside caregivers and families.
And we walk with hope for a future without Alzheimer’s.
I remember my mother participating in her first Walk. She carried a blue Promise Garden flower, representing someone living with Alzheimer’s. For her, it was an act of courage—a way of standing up, showing up and being part of the effort to end this disease.
I was immeasurably proud of her then, and I remain proud of her today, almost a decade after her passing. She was -tougher than she looked.
Today, I continue that commitment as an Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) volunteer, joining advocates across the country in raising awareness and supporting policies, research, treatment and resources for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services is also here to help. Through NY Connects and our caregiver support programs, we can help older adults and families find services, information and support.
Let’s See Your Colors!
The Promise Garden is a beautiful reminder that everyone has a reason to participate:
Blue – Someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia
Purple – Someone who has lost a loved one
Yellow – Someone caring for or supporting a loved one
Orange – Someone supporting the vision of a world without Alzheimer’s
White – Representing the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease
When we look across the Promise Garden, we see more than flowers. We see people, families, memories, courage and hope.
So please join us on October 3. Bring your family, bring a friend, bring a memory and choose your colors!
If you see me, please stop and say hello. Let’s share a handshake, a hug, a story or a memory—and take another step together toward a future without Alzheimer’s.
Behind every statistic is a person.
Behind every person is a story.
And behind every story is a family that matters.
I hope to see you at the Walk!
