5K Will Benefit Alzheimer's Association

"We all forget things like where we put our car keys," said Tina Bellanca, organizer of A Race to Remember 5K, which is dedicated to the memory of her husband, Gary J. Bellanca who developed dementia at the age of 54 and died in 2021. "But you know what to do with (your keys) when you find them," she continued. "A dementia patient will not know how to start the car, or if they start it, they don't know where they're going."

Tina includes information about dementia in all the information she provides about A Race to Remember, which will be held in person on Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at 9 a.m. at Reidenbaugh Elementary School, 1001 Buckwalter Road, Lititz. Registration on the day of the race will be held from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. A discount will be available to those who register prior to Sunday, Oct. 23. Awards will be given to the top overall male and female finishers and to the top finishers in six age groups.

Gary, the founder of LMI Advertising in East Petersburg, was first diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2007. "We had no idea what to expect or what would happen to him or our life," said Tina, who worked with Gary at the advertising agency. She said the couple sought out clinical trials, but nothing worked. A little over three years after Gary was diagnosed, his behavior began to change. Gary was re-diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Tina explained that this rare form of dementia affects speaking, spatial concepts, walking, language, decision-making, and comprehension. "It's a progressive illness," said Tina. "There are no FDA- approved medications to treat it."

Tina chose to keep Gary at home, serving as his caregiver whenever she was not working at the agency. "Dementia patients thrive in environments where they are familiar," she explained. "Gary heard my voice and was around me every day. In my heart, I believed that was something that helped him survive 14 years."

As owners of an area business, Gary and Tina were active in the community. "We were involved in supporting causes," said Tina, who mentioned the Sertoma Club and Hospice & Community Care of Lancaster County as causes they championed. "We knew we could help from a communications and marketing standpoint," said Tina. They also loved running, so it seemed logical to combine raising awareness and funds with a road run. This will be the 10th time A Race to Remember will be held. The activity has helped to educate local runners and others about dementia, and it has raised more than $544,000 for the Alzheimer's Association.

Readers who would like to learn more or register for the race may visit http://www.lmiadvertising.com/AR2R. More information about dementia is available from the Alzheimer's Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter at 800-272-3900.