LIHUE — Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami joined Cindy Fowler of the Alzheimer’s Association and caregiver Denise Robinson on Wednesday to congratulate Wendy Norcross and Frank Wattunen of Ely, Minnesota, for completing the couple’s mission of paddling in all 50 states to honor Wendy’s parents, both of whom died from dementia.
“This inspiring journey is part of ‘The Longest Day,’ an Alzheimer’s Association initiative that encourages people to turn their passions into action in support of care, support and research,” said Fowler in a press release that announced the couple’s final paddle with their purple canoe. “The couple’s mission also raised awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.”
The congratulatory proclamation said Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of individuals and their families, highlighting the critical need for awareness, advocacy and support for those impacted by dementia. The proclamation further states Alzheimer’s disease not only affects those diagnosed, but also places an immense emotional and physical burden on caregivers and loved ones.
Norcross and Wattunen have traversed the United States in their purple canoe. Their arrival on Kauai completes a four-year journey to every state to raise funds and raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.
The proclamation states their journey embodies the spirit of perseverance, compassion and community, truly demonstrating the power of advocacy and the impact of raising awareness for an important cause.
Kawakami, in presenting the proclamation, asked for some personal time to talk with the couple and their group.
Through their journey, the proclamation states, they have connected with caregivers, families and individuals living with dementia, offering support, fostering understanding and bringing national attention to the challenge faced by those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Hawaii is the couple’s final state, and they selected Kauai and the Hanalei River as the site for their last paddle, marking the culmination of their inspiring mission.
The final paddle took place on April 13 when the purple canoe touched the waters of the Hanalei River, joined by members of the Hanalei Canoe Club and local families impacted by Alzheimer’s — including retired Maui firefighter and outrigger canoe paddler Jim “Kimo” Knutson who is living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
“Wendy and Frank’s journey is filled with love, courage, lots of aloha and purpose,” said LJ Duenas, the executive director for Alzheimer’s Association,Hawaii. “They’re reminding us that we are all connected in this fight to end Alzheimer’s.”
Similarly, the proclamation states that Kawakami and the County of Kauai recognizes and honors the couple for their inspiring journey through 50 states and their commitment to Alzheimer’s awareness.
“May their story continue to inspire our community with compassion and resilience,” the proclamation said.
