Men race in high heels for Alzheimer's research

Jeremy Soucy was sporting silver-beaded high-heeled shoes shortly after 6:45 Saturday evening, but he didn't mind.

Soucy was one of three men who had just completed a 50-meter race in the shoes in an effort to raise money for the Alzheimer's Research Foundation.

"I feel bad for girls who have to wear these," Soucy quipped after racing in the parking lot of Arbors at Auburn Creek Assisted Living, 2906 Beaver Creek Drive in Cape Girardeau. "I was surprised I could even make it to the finish line."

The fundraiser hit close to home for Soucy, who witnessed his grandfather battle Alzheimer's disease for 10 years.

"It was very difficult for all of his family and friends to watch him go through the later stages of the disease," he said. "I can't imagine living through it as a victim."

But Soucy was not alone.

All of the participants shared one common bond with more than 27 million Americans — a loved one who experienced the heartaches and trials of a disease that is the most common form of dementia. Symptoms may include memory loss, mood swings and withdrawal from society as the condition worsens.

AARON EISENHAUER ~ aeisenhauer@semissourian.com Scott Kelley, who finished first in the men's high heel race, displays the damage done to his footwear in the sprint.

Tammy Barborek, a medical aide at Arbors, said fundraisers such as Saturday's race provide necessary research money to help scientists and physicians move one step closer to a cure for the deadly disease.

"You don't see something like a high-heeled race with men each year," she said. "What better way to raise money for an extraordinary cause than an event like this?"

Barborek hopes the race, along with other area events such as a hula hoop competition, three-legged race and the Sept. 20 memory walk, will raise $1,800 by the end of 2008.

"If enough money is given to research efforts on a national level, maybe our kids and grandchildren won't have to deal with this," Barborek said. "This is one step closer to finding a cure."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

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