“Why are you doing this?” It’s a frequent question asked of busy people. Whenever we know someone who seems to have more than a full schedule balancing work, family needs, education and perhaps a little time for sleep who then gladly takes on yet one more commitment, we do wonder “Why?” Couldn’t this be postponed until you have a less hectic schedule? Couldn’t someone else do this?

While individual situations differ, the answer to the “Why are you doing this?” question remains remarkably consistent: Because this matters. We are willing to give ourselves to doing things that are life giving. We are willing to give ourselves to tasks that are hope-filled, that are transformative and that use the various gifts or abilities that we have to offer. That’s why I am supporting the MidCoast area Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

I am a pastor and far too many people within my congregation have been affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. Most of us know someone who either has the disease or is a care giver for someone living with the disease. We have watched neighbors, friends or family members become frail, forgetful and fearful as the disease has progressed. We have watched their loved ones struggle silently trying to manage everything alone. Over five million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s and as many as 16 million will have the disease by 2050. In Maine alone there are 26,000 persons aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s. It is the 6th leading cause of death in Maine. The costs for providing care for persons living with Alzheimer’s are staggering: in 2016 Maine’s Medicaid costs for Alzheimer’s patients will be $180 million.

I am tired of passively watching this disease take over the lives of my neighbors, my friends and my family, so I will walk this year. I will do my best fundraising to find a cure and to provide hope and healing for persons living with the disease and for those who provide care for them. I am inviting you to join me in this effort by taking part in this year’s Mid- Coast Walk on Saturday, October 15 on the Brunswick Mall. To find out more or to register to participate in the event, contact the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 272-3900 or visit their website at alz.org/maine.

Rev. Rebecca Wegner is the pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Brunswick.