Submitted photo The Botsford family of Marshall are raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as the Family of Honor at Thursday’s Walk For Memories in Marshall. Pictured, from left to right, are Sophie Buysse, John Botsford, Paula Botsford, Ryan Botsford and Brad Botsford.

MARSHALL — Taking part in this week’s 5K Run For Memories will be exciting, Brad Botsford said. But the event will also be about much more than that for Brad and his family. The Botsfords are helping let area residents coping with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia know they’re not alone.

The Botsfords, of Marshall, are the Family of Honor for the 2022 Walk For Memories and 5K run. Brad was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease last year, and he and his wife Paula talked with the Independent about their experiences.

“By sharing our story, I think it’s helpful in the community,” Paula Botsford said. Being able to find support and resources make a big difference for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

“You do feel like you’re the only one, until you start meeting people,” Paula said.

The Walk For Memories and 5K Run For Memories will be held Thursday evening at the Marshall Area YMCA. The event honors and remembers families affected by dementia.

The Botsfords said they’ve been on a long journey to getting a diagnosis for Brad.

At first, Paula said, “I think a lot of Brad’s symptoms were hidden through the (COVID) pandemic.” But over time, it became clearer that Brad was dealing with more than work stress and lack of sleep in a difficult time. Paula said she really started thinking something was wrong after the Botsfords’ dog got let out of the house and was hit by a car.

The journey wasn’t over when Brad went to see a doctor, however. He went through a lot of different appointments and tests to rule out different medical conditions, and finally went through a four-hour cognitive test with a doctor in Watertown. After that he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

The diagnosis put some of Brad’s symptoms in a different light, Paula said. At first, they had thought Brad might have depression.

“We now know that depression goes along with Alzheimer’s,” she said.

While their journey hasn’t been easy, Paula said there have been some things the Botsfords have learned that helped them along the way.

“I think for me, it’s patience and understanding,” she said. “The more we’re patient with one another, the easier it is.” She said they’re also thankful for the support they’ve received from community members, family and friends.

When the Botsfords were approached about being the family of honor for this year’s Walk For Memories, Paula said she wasn’t sure about it at first.

“It was hard for her, not for me,” Brad Botsford said.

Paula Botsford said she wanted to take time to think about the offer, and make sure their sons were on board with the decision. Then, she said, “I really felt God was leading me to say yes.”

Raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia, and helping other families find support resources, was important, she said.

Brad likes to go running, and is looking forward to the 5K.

“I think it will be exciting to be in it,” he said.

There’s been a change of venue for the Walk For Memories this year, organizers said. Delays in trail construction at Independence Park meant the event wouldn’t work there. Instead, the event will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at the Marshall Area YMCA.

We’re very thankful the Y said we could do it there,” said Jamie Lanners of the Marshall area Dementia Awareness Network.

Members of the public are encouraged to wear purple to the Walk For Memories. In addition to the walk, the event will have booths with family activities, giveaways and prize drawings, and food available for purchase. The 5K fun run will start at 6 p.m.

More information on the Walk For Memories can be found online at the Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network and ACT on Alzheimer’s Marshall Facebook page.