Betsey Ford-Ochs has always loved to run. It was a great way to work out, and as it turned out, good for stress relief, too. As she began the process of helping her parents transition into a nursing home back in 2018, that’s when she began running in earnest.
“It’s such a scary, taxing journey,” she said. “It never happens at a good time. All of a sudden, you’re hit with this terrifying chapter where the people you love are sick and you don’t know how to care for them, and they may not want to be cared for. My parents needed care that I couldn’t provide. If not for Seashore Gardens, I don’t know where we would be.”
She wanted to show her gratitude and signed up with a friend for the Seashore Gardens 5K Run & Health Walk, back when her dad was still alive. She’s been doing it ever since, even while she was pregnant. “I wanted to help get the word out that about the resources that Seashore Gardens provides,” she said. “Even though my parents were unaffected by memory loss, I want to support the Home where my mom receives such loving care.”
On Sunday, April 16, 2023, Betsey will be hitting the boards again as part of Team Run Ford Strong. This time, she and husband Rob will bring along 9-month-old Julia and 3-year-old Charlie in a jogging stroller. Charlie will also be doing the fun run in honor of his “Mima.”
The Seashore Gardens 5K Run & Health Walk is the key fundraiser for Alzheimer’s and dementia outreach and programs. It takes place on the Atlantic City Boardwalk at the Stockton University campus and the community is welcome to participate.
“Raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia is so important not only to help fund research but to provide ongoing education to the community so we can care for this growing population of people,” said SGLC Director of Social Services Katrina Schnepp, CSW, CDP who also runs with her husband and kids. “I love my residents,” she said. “Raising funds helps support them on multiple levels. I think even if a person hasn’t been personally affected by this disease, they can still come out to run or walk. Exercise is good for everyone, plus you have a great view of the ocean. Enjoy it.”
