Cherokee Nation Forms Team For Upcoming Walk To End Alzheimer's

The Cherokee Nation is creating a team for the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer's.

It's a cause that is personal for Cherokee Nation Business CEO Chuck Garrett, whose mom is living with the disease.

He joined Tess Maune on News On 6 at 8 to talk more about the walk.

Tess: So your mom is someone we all know. Sandy Garrett, Oklahoma's first woman to serve as state superintendent. She led our schools across the state for 20 years. I know you've shared this publicly a little bit over the years. She was diagnosed six years ago. How's she doing now?

Chuck: She is very content and well cared for. Has a lot of people who care for her, surround her, and lift her up. So, she's doing well.

Tess: I guess I should say, too, how are you doing?

Chuck: Well, it's a disease that's impactful, of course, to the patients, but very impactful to the caregivers as well. So, you know, like all caregivers, I have my good days and my bad, and it's a lot, and so the Alzheimer's Association can be very helpful to those caregivers.

Tess: And you know, Alzheimer's is so hard on the family members who have a loved one experiencing that disease, and once you've been so closely tied to it, you just want to do something to help, and you have done that. You're now on the Alzheimer's Association National Board of Directors and the local chapter board. Share a little bit about the work you're doing there.

Chuck: Well, it's been quite an honor to be on those boards, and the Alzheimer's Association is the association for Alzheimer's research and resources for caregivers and patients alike, as well as other health care professionals. So it's an honor to be a part of such an outstanding organization that is supported by a wide range of people.

Tess: Tell us about the partnership between the Cherokee Nation and the Alzheimer's Association. That's a really big deal.

Chuck: It is a big deal. The Cherokee Nation, of course, has among its top priorities is the health care of its citizens and the neighbors. So, this has been a disease that has disproportionately impacted Native Americans, African Americans, and other minorities. So, we've really invested, and the Cherokee Nation is a major sponsor of Alzheimer's, and our employees have really responded.

Tess: The Walk to End Alzheimer's is coming up next Saturday; it's on the 21st. You'll be there and supporting that cause. Talk a little bit about the importance of events like that and partnerships with the Cherokee Nation.

Chuck: Well, this event, of course, raises awareness, makes folks aware of the resources that are available, and makes them also aware that they're not alone. It's important for us as a tribe and as a business entity to rally behind this, and because our employees, too, are directly impacted.

Tess: For those who maybe can't make the walk to support it in that way, what are some other ways that they could make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's and also maybe get help if they need it, maybe a caregiver.

Chuck: Certainly, there are lots of resources out there, lots of opportunities to make an impact, to provide support financially, but also as volunteers and other ways to connect with the organization. So Alzheimer's great website, that provides a nice overview of those opportunities.

The 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's is at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Dream Keeper's Park.

Tess will be the emcee for the ceremony that starts at 9 a.m. The walk follows right after that.

To register, visit the Walk to End Alzheimer's website.