Local Woman Walks 16 Miles in One Day for Alzheimer's Awareness

Leigh Cashman, Linda Stirling, and Carol Kallman

By edhat staff

A local woman walked 16 miles throughout Santa Barbara in one day to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer's Association.

Last week, Leigh Cashman set out to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease while participating in "The Longest Day," a fundraising event to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. The event also focuses on honoring caregivers as 16 miles represent the 16 hours in a day where caregivers are providing for those in need. 

Cashman, along with two friends Linda Stirling and Carol Kallman, planned a route to meet with local leaders and politicians. 

"We visitedAssemblymemberr Monique Limon’s office, thanking her for her amazing support in co-authoring SB449 last year, which passed and gives CNA’s (Certified Nursing Assistant's) hours of mandatory training in Dementia and Alzheimers care," said Cashman.

Then the group walked to Congressmember Salud Carbajal’s office and thanked his staff for supporting budget requests on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association. "[Carbajal] also co-sponsored the Palliative Care and Hospice Education Training Act, which has now passed through the House and Senate," said Cashman.

The group visited several local businesses who wrote checks to the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association due to Cashman's fundraising.

Today, over 35 million people across the world are living with Alzheimer's, including more than 5 million Americans. In the U.S. alone, more than 15 million caregivers dedicate themselves to those with Alzheimer's and dementia. 

Click here for more information and to donate to Leigh Cashman's fundraiser.