Saturday marks the 11^th year for the annual Alzheimer’s Walk and Education Fair.

The threat of Hurricane Joaquin leaves the possibility for cancellation, but for now, spirits remain high.

According to co-chair Emily Albera, the event this year will also include medical specialists, free materials to help caregivers, a silent auction, opportunities to get a flu shot and food.

The Alzheimer’s Walk is near to Albera’s heart, as she cared for her late mother during her battle with the disease. She said being a caregiver is not easy, but if one can obtain information about Alzheimer’s and how to cope, the situation can improve.

“Once I started educating myself about dementia by reading the textbook of Alzheimer’s, ‘The 36-Hour Day,’ I learned that the 12th time mother said something to me was the first time to her,” Albera wrote in a recent column.

That understanding is the idea behind the walk to raise awareness, as well as the group of medical experts who are invited to attend to give information to those who want it. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease for those who have it, but it’s also tough for the loved ones watching it happen.

“People are insulted when you don’t remember. Supposedly, if you care about someone, you remember their names, their children and the events surrounding them,” Albera wrote. “It is assumed that you don’t care if you don’t value the person enough to remember. This is what my mother went through.”

An anonymous donor gave funding to the event last year and again this year, and upon his/her request, the event is continuing to be sponsored by Mid-East Commission’s Area Agency on Aging and Alzheimer’s North Carolina, according to Albera. This means funds from the event will stay close to home to help those battling the disease.

“How tough it must have been for her to see my face of annoyance and disapproval. It took me a long time to begin to empathize with Mother’s forgetfulness,” Albera wrote.

The Alzheimer’s Walk and Education Fair will be Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Red Men’s Lodge, 503 E. Third St., Washington. For questions, contact Emily Albera at 964-2192 or albera@gotricounty.com.