Run/Walk To Benefit Alzheimer's Association

As part of an effort to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and in memory of her mother, Carol, who passed away from the disease in 2017, Lynn Cronomiz of Morgantown will again host the Paint the Town Purple 5K, with all proceeds supporting the Alzheimer's Association.

This year's event, which will include a 5K run and 1K fun walk, will take place at the Zerbe Retirement Community, 2499 Zerbe Road, Narvon, on Saturday, June 14. Registration will open at 8 a.m., and the 5K and walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. Participants and attendees are encouraged to wear purple to the event.

This is the third year for the fundraiser. Paint the Town Purple began in 2023 at Historic Joanna Furnace. This is the second year it is being held at the retirement community.

"We're hoping to grow it this year. We are trying to attract runners from the Lancaster area (as well)," Cronomiz noted, adding, "The past two years we had beautiful weather. The 5K is professionally timed, and we accurately measured the course to be a 5K."

Nonrunners and walkers are also invited to attend to cheer on the 5K participants, but it is requested that they arrive by 9:15 am. due to a road closure.

"The run goes out of Zerbe Mansion and down the hill on Zerbe Road and turns right onto Hammertown Road. The Caernarvon Township police will have half of the road secured and the other half (open) to let out runners," Cronomiz explained. "Then, they run up the hill about a half mile to the top of Zerbe Road and turn left. They will go along School House Lane, which is on the campus." She noted that the walkers will stay on the campus on School House Lane.

Retirement community residents are also involved in efforts to support the Alzheimer's Association. "They did a bingo on May 19, and they raised $310," she said. "The residents will also do a bake sale at the race."

There will also be an opportunity for attendees to win gift baskets through a random drawing. 5K participants will get five tickets, but the public may purchase tickets to win prizes, such as Wawa and Olive Garden gift cards. Runners and walkers will receive goodie bags and will be provided with bottled water.

Cronomiz said it is important to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association, which helps patients and family members deal with the challenges of the disease. Thanks to the organization, she also reconnected with her friend Pam Haas through an Alzheimer's Association support group. Haas, who lost her husband to the disease, is co-director of the race.

Cronomiz noted that the Alzheimer's Association has made great strides in helping people with the disease. For example, new blood tests are now being used to measure amyloid levels in the blood. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain.

"This (blood test) from a general practitioner helps diagnose people sooner, and they can go to a neurologist and start treatments early," she said. "That is when they are most affected - at the beginning stages with mild cognitive impairment. What has happened in the last 25 years has been dramatic in getting treatment."

Cronomiz is also a volunteer and advocate with the Alzheimer's Association, which seeks to provide increased research dollars and support for caregivers. "I was a business analyst, and I now put all that energy into finding a cure because (my mother's) death affected me too much," Cronomiz shared. "I am involved in the advocacy portion where we go to the legislators and ask for more funding."

"It is my ardent wish that we can finally know the first survivor of Alzheimer's disease during my lifetime," she added.

The local race is being held as part the Longest Day initiative. Each year on the summer solstice, the day with the most light, thousands of advocates across the world participate in the Longest Day to "fight the darkness of Alzheimer's" through an activity of their choice. The Longest Day coincides with Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month in June.

To register for the upcoming event or for more information, visit www.pretzelcitysports.com, go to "Race Calendar" and search for "Paint the Town Purple 5K and 1K Fun Run." More information about the event is also available on Facebook by searching for the "Paint the Town Purple 5K Run" event page. For directions and a course map, visit http://www.zerbesisters.com/PTTPurple.