ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, has recently drawn global attention, as its trending “Ice Bucket Challenge” — where participants pour a bucket filled with ice water over their head to simulate the sensations felt by those suffering from the disease — went viral. However, another neuro-degenerative disorder is also drawing attention locally, as one family fights to raise awareness for this deadly disease.

A Rochester teen and her family are passionate in their efforts to raise awareness and funds for medical research for early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Often regarded as a disease that only affects the elderly, symptoms of early onset Alzheimer’s can begin in patients in their upper 30s and early 40s. It’s been estimated that of the more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s today, some 200,000 are under 65.

Megan Norton, a 15-year-old sophomore at Pittsford Mendon High School in Pittsford, New York, along with her 12 year old brother Brian and their father, are trying to raise awareness for this devastating disease. Almost 18 months ago, Norton’s mother, Amy, was only 43 when she received her official diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. After receiving the diagnosis, the family realize she had been showing signs of the disease for a few years.

The Nortons found the strength to use this diagnosis as opportunity to educate others. The staff at the Alzheimer’s Association have been both humbled and inspired by Megan Norton’s determination. Along with her family, Norton coordinated the “Hugs 4 Mom” Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, raising more than $7,500 so far.

Norton’s goal was to channel her family’s energy into something positive. Initially, Norton had wanted to create a fundraising event in mother’s honor; later on, she decided to work in tandem with the Alzheimer’s Association.
The two mile walk, which takes place Saturday, September 20th in Mendon Ponds Park, is one of six that Norton and the local Alzheimer’s Association hopes will bring in its goal of $400,000 this fall in order to support medical research. Norton believe this devastating disease needs much more exposure.

Participants in the walk can show their support and raise funds by purchasing “Hugs 4 Mom” Walk To End Alzheimer’s custom T-shirts and merchandise at the event.

Custom designed T-shirts have long been used in an effort to raise awareness as well as promote team-building and boost morale for various causes over the years. In world chock-full of mobile devices and digital marketing, the visual and tangible attributes that custom T-shirts offer is unmatched. This is why they are so effective in drawing attention to a cause.

As a result, the promotional products industry has seen substantial growth. A close examination of 2012 sales by product category reveals that the biggest sellers were wearables (such as T-shirts, golf shirts, caps, jackets), at 28.9% share of total product sales.
A lot of families are impacted by Alzheimer’s, and the Nortons hope to be able to share this journey with others.