LIHUE — Stopping by the HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union, and getting a package or two of Cookie Corner cookies will help the Alzheimer’s Association achieve its Kauai goal of $83,000 for 2024.
“We don’t have Cookie Corner places on Kauai,” said Taylor Shigemoto of the HawaiiUSA FCU. “Between now, and Oct. 19 when the Kauai Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place, the cookie sales will be earmarked for the Alzheimer’s Association toward their fight to find a cure. This is a statewide campaign so it’s good that each island has a different date for the walk.”
Justin George, of the Alzheimer’s Association, flew in for the Kauai Walk kickoff on Tuesday, announcing the Kauai Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Oct. 19 with registration starting at 7:15 a.m. and the walk starting at 8:15 a.m. at Puakea Golf Course.
“This is because the Grove Farm Foundation is one of this year’s sponsors,” said Kaulana Mossman, the Kauai Walk co-chair. “Grove Farm is setting up a huge tent where other vendors will have exhibits and Kauai Taiko will perform to send off the walkers on the approximately 2-mile course. There will also be two water stations, and surprise contests along the route that starts by heading to the Puakea No. 1 hole, then crossing through the tunnel and heading to the signature No. 6 tee box. Walkers return to a big breakfast.”
Mossman said this year’s walk is dedicated to Arnold Leong, who provided breakfast for the walk. Leong passed away, recently.
Mossman said the goal is to have at least 250 walkers, an increase from the 204 walkers and 30 teams from the 2023 walk. The goal this year is $83,000, an increase from the nearly $70,000 raised during 2023.
Funds generated from the walk help Cindy Fowler, the Kauai Regional Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association, with her work on Kauai that included serving 588 constituents in fiscal year 2024.
Fowler also started a lecture series with more than 260 people attending since the series started in January. Fowler also started a neighborhood center education program outreach with more than 80 attendees since January. She also hosted six in-person monthly support groups where more than 50 caregivers were served.
Mossman, inspired by her former kupuna clients at a day health facility, remembered one client who was suffering an episode saying, “I don’t want to feel confused.”
To register or simply to donate toward finding a cure for Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/kauaiwalk.
