An estimated 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Dementia according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Included in that group is Nick Werner’s grandfather Robert (Bob) Ashton.
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
After learning about the disease through his grandfather’s diagnosis in 2018, Werner has decided to do his part to support the Alzheimer’s Association. On May 30, Werner will participate in a 100-hole hike to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association at Huntsville Golf Club, where he is a member.
“Watching my grandfather’s cognitive decline has been one of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with as a young adult,” Werner, a rising junior at Wyoming Seminary, wrote on his Alzheimer’s Association donation page. “We’ve spent so many hours on the golf course together and I cherish those memories. He has been my biggest supporter and strongest inspiration to continue working hard and playing the game I love.”
Support from his parents, Joe and Susan Werner, family members and fellow Huntsville members has encouraged Werner to meet his goal of raising $2,000 for the research, awareness and advocacy of people impacted by Alzheimer’s. Currently, his donations sit at $5,865. Since he has surpassed his original goal by nearly $3,000, he has identified a new goal of raising $6,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.
“My family has been very supportive ever since I told them about the idea,” Werner, 15, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. said. “My father in particular has been helpful with setting up the technical stuff [like] getting the golf course reserved. I can’t thank the head pro [Matt Occhiato] at Huntsville enough for letting me play.”
“Members have come up to me and told me how good of a cause it is,” Werner said. “It’s been really nice to see all the [members] being so supportive of it.”
Werner will begin his first of over five and a half rounds of golf on Tuesday as soon as the sun rises.
“I’m obviously hoping to play well, I’ll keep track,” Werner said. “After a hundred holes, less than 10-over would be [great]. It’s a difficult golf course.”
Click here to donate to his cause.
GAP
Celebrating Amateur Golf since 1897, GAP, also known as the Golf Association of Philadelphia, is the oldest regional or state golf association in the United States. It serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. The organization’s 340 Member Clubs and 100,000 individual members are spread across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland. The GAP’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.
