Why They Trot…
Some people run for the memory of a loved one, others for the sense of community, still others to build awareness. Why do YOU trot?
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none of this was planned, but it’s our journey
“What I realize now is that while Eric and I grew up together and moved through life as a team, I am losing my partner. He is going back and I need to continue moving forward. I am making decisions without talking them through with him, and am doing my best to balance it all,” Aileen says. “He is leaving me faster than I would like. None of those dreams are going to happen. I am rapidly approaching the time when he needs more than I can take care of,” she says. “None of this was our plan, but it is our journey.”
Aileen Lemoine’s husband, Eric, was diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer’s Disease at 49.
“We share the opportunity to run a few steps, to be together, to count our blessings, to honor our parents, and to do our small part to support those currently living with the disease—including some very near and dear to our hearts.” —Matt O'Connor with his dad the late Judge Francis O'Connor
“My mother’s Alzheimer’s sensitized me to the terrible human suffering that Alzheimer’s brings to families, caregivers, and loved ones. I am proud to be part of a community that has a strong commitment to supporting people affected by this disease and raising money for research that will one day bring about a cure.” — Joyce Kerr, Shrewsbury resident
I trot for my father, Charles Morelli, who I miss every day. It's great that as a community we come together on a day for thanksgiving to give thanks for the time we had with loved ones lost to this terrible disease, to raise awareness, and to support those fighting Alzheimer's today. Thanks to the organizers and all the volunteers who make the Turkey Trot happen.
— Greg Morelli, with his late father Charles
“We often have a chuckle that Mom would probably think we were all crazy for getting up so early on Thanksgiving morning to run/walk, but our ability to support one another really shines through at the trot.” —Stephen McSweeney, Shrewsbury resident, with his late mother Nancy Collins
We run/walk in memory of my grandfather. We run/walk to support others who are struggling to care for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. We run/walk to help find a cure for this horrific disease. We run/walk because it is Thanksgiving and we have so many memories for which we are grateful.”
—The Duke Family, Shrewsbury
“The Turkey Trot has become part of our Thanksgiving tradition. A way to help bring our community together to not only remember, but also to help in the effort to fight Alzheimer’s, a disease which has touched each of us either directly or indirectly.”
— Cathy & Fred Burke, Shrewsbury residents and race volunteers
“I trot for my dad, Stanley Wolosz, a father of eight children, and a former elementary school principal for years in the city of Worcester. Thanks you the great event you organize. It is now a part of our Thanksgiving tradition.” —Gretchen Wolosz, race participant