Local Nurse Walks in Fayetteville to Honor Father While Battling the Disease Herself

The annual Walk to End Alzheimer's serves as a major gathering point for the thousands of families affected by the progressive condition across the United States. On this Saturday, hundreds of individuals are scheduled to meet in Fayetteville to participate in the event, which highlights the personal stories behind the statistics of a widespread illness.

Amy Hamby from Erwin will be among the participants, bringing a dual perspective to the procession. She walks as the daughter of a man who passed away in 2008 and as a woman currently managing early-stage symptoms of the disease. Hamby plans to wear a shirt for Team Poppy, a tribute to her late father, whom her family affectionately referred to by that nickname.

The prevalence of Alzheimer's in the United States is significant, with more than seven million people affected. This figure represents approximately one in nine individuals who are sixty-five years old or older. A new diagnosis is issued every sixty-five seconds, a rate that underscores the rapid spread of the condition and the impact it has on households nationwide.

Hamby, a nurse by profession, explained that she did not fully grasp the genetic implications of her father’s illness when he died. She recalled that she was unaware he carried a specific gene and that she would eventually inherit it as well. "I had no clue, even as a nurse, which sounds pretty dumb, but I had no clue that he carried the gene and that I would end up carrying the gene as well," she said.

In 2024, at the age of fifty-nine, Hamby received a diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s. Prior to the official confirmation, she attributed her cognitive difficulties to post-viral effects, a common explanation during that period. "Then a couple of years later, I thought, 'Something's not right'," she remembered. Medical testing revealed that she possesses two copies of the APOE-4 gene, a significant risk factor for late-onset forms of the disease.

Having two copies of this gene increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s by a factor of ten to fifteen, whereas a single copy raises the risk by two to three times. Hamby is currently awaiting access to approved therapies. She noted that these treatments carry substantial risks for patients with her specific genetic profile, yet she views the potential benefits as justifiable. "I am waiting for treatment, so if I can get those approved treatments are pretty risky for me because I have two copies of the gene, but it's worth it," Hamby stated.

Daily routines require adaptation for Hamby, who sometimes asks her children to repeat themselves to ensure clarity. Despite these challenges, she maintains a strong connection to her lifelong love of cooking. She frequently consults a cookbook of family recipes, which serves as a source of comfort and memory. Sharing meals with her loved ones remains a priority for her.

Beyond personal coping strategies, Hamby has engaged in legislative advocacy in Raleigh. Her efforts have focused on supporting laws that fund Alzheimer’s research and improve care options. "I've got hopefully a lot of years with my children and I want to live life to the fullest," she said, expressing her desire to remain present for her family.

The walk is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Segra Stadium. Registration is currently open, inviting both active participants and those who wish to show their support for the cause.