Bringing Illness awareness to TCC: A

Recommendation Report
Prepared for: Victor Ballesteros, Director of Student developmental
Services
Prepared by:

Spencer Malone
Lamis Alabd
Josie Medina
Jay perez
April 13th, 2016

Abstract
Bringing Illness awareness To TCC: A Recommendation Report

Prepared by: Spencer Malone

Lamis Alabd
Josie Medina
Jay Perez

On March 3rd my fellow students and I were tasked with finding a change we
could make to the community around us. As we looked over major issues, both
local and global, we came across one that could not be ignored; Our team found
multiple sources of data, showing an imbalance in the support of some of the
worlds major illnesses. We saw this a serious issue and were shocked of how
unaware we were, especially when a few of these illnesses have affected some of
us.
After gaining knowledge of how low the support of some diseases are
compared to the support of others, we felt it was our duty to do what we could to
change this. We conducted research, gathering data from multiple sources
including a survey for students and staff. Through the response of those surveyed,
it was concluded that this indeed was not matter only our group wanted to pursue.
In fact, there are a substantial numbers that feel too many ill have been ignored. We
feel that this is an issue that should, and will, gain the support of many. In this
report, you will find the measures we took and data collected.

Table of Contents

Executive summary..IV
Introduction..V
Research Method..VI
Task 1: Survey the Students..VI
Task 2: Research what is involved with starting a 5kVI
Task 3: Interview an individual with knowledge on starting a
fundraiser..VII
Task 4: Implement a plan to initiate a 5k fundraiser.VII
Task 5: Get people involvedVIII
Results.IX
Task 1: Survey the Students.IX
Task 2: Research what is involved with starting a 5k..IX
Task 3: Interview an individual with knowledge on starting a
fundraiserX
Task 4: Implement a plan to initiate a 5k fundraiserXI
Task 5: Get people involved.XII
ConclusionsXIII
Faculty attitudes.XIII
Student attitudes....XIII
RecommendationXIII
References.XIV
Appendix: Questionnaires. XV

Executive Summary

On March 3rd, our group began to brainstorm what type of idea we could
introduce to Tarrant County College students and faculty to participate together in
which would be of benefit to not only the school but to the community. After many
discussions, the idea of creating a 5k run on spreading awareness for forgotten
diseases was born. We realized that there was a problem among awareness groups,
which was that although major diseases such as cancer are very important, there
were many other diseases with little to no support and we want to change that.
Surveys were created and passed out among students with the purpose to
gather information on what diseases they believe needs a voice and to estimate the
amount of support we would receive. In addition, an interview was also conducted
with Cara Walker, a student activities director, for Tarrant County College to give
us guidance on with how we can begin, plan and manage such an event.
Our results displayed that a large majority of the student body are positive
and willing to participate in our event. They understood our message, some even
told us their personal connections to the diseases that are forgotten and are excited
to be a part of our cause. We were able to conclude that Alzheimers is going to be
the first overlooked disease we focus on, based off the top diseases mentioned on
the suggestion section the surveys contained. From our interview, we found that
because runs have been hosted before, it wouldnt be tough to execute. TCC has a
group ready to volunteer for the setup of the race and the campus police are also
willing to help if the run were to take place off the school track. We plan to fund
this based off the admission price for the runners, which would be at a low
reasonable price for us to allow more participants. From the money we collect, we
would also donate a portion to a foundation of our choosing that focuses on the
disease were running for.
We recommend that Tarrant County College grants us their permission to
conduct this event, it already has the support of the students and has the right type
of potential to become a permanent part of TCC events by hosting more runs with
a new disease to bring to attention.

Introduction

On March 3rd our humble committee was formed and given the opportunity
to impact the world around us. During our discussion of which issue to set our
focus on, we came across something that has been quite an issue for some time.
Throughout the past few years there have been many organizations formed to help
people with the worlds major illnesses, but there are some that receive an
overwhelmingly larger amount of support than others. Last year 556$ million was
devoted to Alzheimers research, and this number is dwarfed by Cancer researchs
5.4 billion. (Reid, T. R. "Alzheimers Research Funding Lags Other DiseasesDementia - AARP." AARP. AARP, Jan. 2015. Web. 16 Mar. 2016) We felt this to be
an unacceptable fact, as there are none who deserve to be forgotten. We believe
that, as members of this society, it is our duty to help those who are struggling.
With todays media, there is narrow focus on the issues that surround us.
Diseases like cancer have a domino effect; not only do they affect individuals and
entire families, but they also hurt our countrys security as more people are taken
out of work to care for the ill. What some have forgotten is that other illnesses, like
Alzheimers disease, have had the same effect; resulting, sometimes, in whole
families becoming caretakers. One in seven people is a care giver to an
Alzheimers patient (According to Lisa Wirthmans The Economic Ripple Effect
of Alzheimers Disease), and the numbers only grow. I am sure, as you read this,
there is at least one person that comes to mind who has had to go through this
struggle.
Our group wants to do what we can to change this. Through our surveying,
we have already found that a substantial percentage of our fellow citizens would
support this cause. We already have the numbers to support us, now we ask for
your help to execute. What we are recommending is a simple 5k run. The focus of
this run will be Alzheimers awareness; the first of a long list that we want to help
spread. We believe this will be a great way to get our community involved,
connected, and help TCC make an impact on what has affected so many. Together,
we can help put out this fire.
Research Methods

To successfully organize a fundraiser to spread awareness of an illness, our group

needed to complete the following 5 tasks:
Task 1: Survey Students:
Before we can organize a fundraiser, we must survey a group of people to
decide which disease needs attention, and what they would be willing to do to help.
The survey was designed and administered by a group of TCC student. This survey
includes questions we had developed specifically for the Awareness event. The
questions were about which illnesses, and when is the best time to do so. We will
survey 200 TCC Northeast students, and faculties. Also the survey will allow us to
see if the students are more likely to see events like this, and participate in a 5K
run or even a donation. With the result we will have an idea in what we should
focus more on, and what would be the best timing for the event.

Task 2: Research what is involved with starting a 5k run for the cause fundraiser
for Alzheimers Disease.
After surveying and interviewing many students at the North East campus of
Tarrant County College, my group and I have determined that the majority of
individuals would be more prone to join a fundraiser if it were a walk or run for
a cause to spread awareness and gather funds for further research on often
overlooked diseases and ailments. However, there is much more to gathering and
beginning a fundraiser than you would think. Would you need a license or
permit? How would you spread the word of the fundraiser? Etc. After further
research we have found that we can use a local park for free without any permits.
So we will hold the fundraiser at the park. Other sponsored programs have been
very successful with the runs they have set up, including the Alzmass
organization; Run to End Alzheimer's Mission: To promote the elimination of
Alzheimers disease and related dementias through awareness while raising
funds for education, support, research and advocacy; to promote brain health
through exercise; and to provide support and encouragement for everyday
athletes, their families and friends as we work to create a world without
Alzheimers.

Task 3: Interview an individual with knowledge on how to begin this type of

fundraiser.
Cara Walker, a student activities director, for Tarrant County College
allowed my group and I to interview her to find out what details we should focus
on, to get our 5K for Alzheimers started. She began by filling out the survey that
we had students complete in researching which disease the majority would like to
have additional awareness and research. Ms. Walkers answers to our research
questions.
1.) Do you feel there are illnesses that deserve more attention/research?
a. Mental Health, and asthma is overlooked.
2.) If you were to help spread awareness, would you rather participate in a 5k
runs, or just make a donation or other event?
a. A 5k run would be the best.
While interviewing Ms. Walker, she advised that we should focus on the schedule
and timing of the 5k. and to reach out to Non-Profit organizations, corporate
sponsorships, and Athletic sponsors. Also to remember that the race does not have
to be restricted to a track, and to get assistance with the campus police. She
advertised with district calendars, posting flyers, and visit local businesses. Timing
the 5k around a season that is not too hot or cold is something else to keep in mind
to assure there will be a large showing of supporters. Student clubs that dedicate to
volunteer work would be happy to volunteer and help with organizing the race. Ms.
Walker did state that visiting local businesses was not a very effective method in
finding interested individuals.
Task 4: Implement a plan to initiate a 5k fundraiser to raise money for Alzheimers
Disease
The majority of students, faculty, and other references determined that
a disease, illness or ailment that needs more attention and needs funding for
research and awareness is Alzheimers Disease. Alzheimers disease is a very
serious disease that effects many individuals. Raising awareness about how serious
this disease is, is a must. Also, with raising funds to do further research, could help
improve many peoples lives. By organizing and marketing a 5k fundraiser run, we
could raise funds to help support this cause. There are many illnesses that are often
overlooked from the general public. Similar events from the Alzheimers
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Association have been implemented: The race is on. Alzheimer's and related
dementias research is a dynamic field, and momentum builds each year. This site is
for professional researchers and anyone interested in following the progress in
research. The Alzheimer's Association has been involved in every major
advancement in Alzheimer's and related dementias research since the 1980's and is
a leader in the global fight for a world without Alzheimer's. After discussing this,
we have decided as a group that we will schedule the 5k for April 16th, 2016 at
11:00 A.M., the run will take place a Chisholm Park in Hurst, TX. Our group will
arrive early to prepare and organize the fundraiser.

Task 5: Get people involved

Now that we know what we are going to do and which disease we are raising
money for, we have to spread the word and get people involved. Our group has
passed out flyers with all of the information for the 5k for Alzheimers, around the
Tarrant County College Campus. Also, we individually posted on all different
types of social media sites, to reach as many people in the area as possible. Our
friends and family will be volunteers to help direct everyone who is attending the
race. We have decided to provide each person who enters the 5k is able to donate
any amount of money starting at $10.00. All proceeds will be given to foundations
that research Alzheimers Disease. During the run, we will have informational
flyers that provide information about the disease and what people can do to help
families who are already suffering from it.

Results

In this section, we present the results of our research. For each of the five tasks
mentioned above, we present the most vital data we gathered.
Task 1: Survey Students:
The results from the questionnaire we previously mentioned in our proposal,
we had developed specifically the awareness events. We were able to determine
how many students are more likely to witness events like this, and participate in a
5K run or even a donation. However, When planning your 5K it is important to
consider your options for a location at which the race will be held, the
characteristics of the course that you wish to have, whether or not you will
implement a theme to your race, and if it will be associated with a charitable
cause. Furthermore, we got an idea of what we should focus more on, and what
would be the best time for the event. For our 5k run we will be focusing on
Alzheimers disease, since more than 50% of our surveyors suggested that we do
so. Also the best time for us to hold an event like a 5k run would be during the
weekend, whenever its cool and not overly hot, as well as during the summer
would be a good idea. Cara walker suggested that its better if we did it at the end of
the school year like march or April.

Task 2: Research what is involved with starting a 5k run for the cause fundraiser
for Alzheimers Disease.
As a result of surveying and interviewing many students at the North East
campus of Tarrant County College, a 5k run or a walk was the top choice and its
the best way to spread awareness and gather funds for further research on often
overlooked diseases and ailments. After finding out what the majority of the
students care for, we believe the beliefs and cares of our fellow students need
more funding and awareness. Our focus was to make sure that we either start a
charity donation website, or get a walk or run together, to spread awareness and
make the importance of the illness known to the general public. After seeing the
options, the best place to set up a 5k run on campus would be either at the Track or
around the campus. It is very important to coordinate the police and security for
[our] event. [ And to] make sure that [we] have the proper traffic safety devices
like cones, and crowd control barricades if [our] venue requires them.
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Accordingly, whenever we set this up The TCC police department will help us.
Moreover, as we said in the Research methods that after further research we have
found that we can use a local park for free without any permits. So we will be more
likely to hold the fundraiser at the park.

Task 3: Interview an individual with knowledge on how to begin this type of

fundraiser.
Here is an interview conducted by our team members Spencer Malone, Lamis
Alabd, Jay Perez, and Josie Medina. We interviewed Cara Walker, Student
Activities Director.
Q: How would it be funded?
A: First objective would be to see if there is anything like what you are going to
do, so that you are not competing, and even if you are competing you just need to
time it differently from another event like it would be taken place. And then getting
in touch with none-profit organizations that advocate for awareness of Alzheimers
diseases. Im sure they have funding for programing and they would love to
partner with all the people to help with the event.
Q: How 5Ks were funded before?
A: Through Non-Profit organizations, and corporate sponsorships. For example;
the women center in Fort Worth.
Q. Where it could be held?
A. We could do it around the campus.
Q: Who do we have to go through to sit this up?
A: You have to go through Student Activities, and then we need to coordinate
with the campus police about marking off the area.
Q: How would this be advertised?
A: We can develop the promotion items through graphics services on campus, we
also can put it in the district calendar, on the website, and post flyers around the
campus.
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Q: Do you feel there are illnesses that deserve more attention/research?

A: Yes, maybe mental health in my opinion its kind of stigma if you are seeking
help to overcome any kind of mental issue that there is something wrong with you
and its looked at differently than would if you are going to the doctor for physical
checkup. Also maybe Asthma, because its not deadly there is not a lot of
awareness about it.
Q: If you were to help spread awareness, would you rather participate in a 5K
run, or just make a donation? (or another event)
A: A 5k run would be the best, also any kind of fun event and make it cool would
be successful.
Q: When is the best time to hold an event to help spread awareness of certain
illnesses?
A: When its warm and not really hot. Also at the end of the year like march or
April.
Q: Who else do we have to contact for this event?
A: Victor Ballesteros, Director of Student Development Services.
Task 4: Implement a plan to initiate a 5k fundraiser to raise money for
Alzheimers Disease
As for the majority of our survey answers, the response for which illness or
ailment that needs more attention and needs funding for research and awareness is
Alzheimers Disease. Alzheimers disease Among the fastest-growing and most
debilitating diseases in the United States, Alzheimers affects an estimated 5.4
million Americans. As well this disease is the most common form of dementia, a
general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to
interfere with daily life. This disease is very serious; its effecting many
individuals. Also, if we could be able to keep on raising funds to do further
research, we could help improve many peoples lives.
A 5k fundraiser run could be the best way to raise funds to help support this
cause. As we all know there are many illnesses that are often overlooked from the
general public. As we said in the research method we have decided as a group that
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we will schedule the 5k for April 16th, 2016 at 11:00 A.M., the run will take place
a Chisholm Park in Hurst, TX. Our group will arrive early to prepare and organize
the fundraiser.
Task 5: Get people involved:
Bringing a 5K run on campus will gain several benefits for our school. For
example, students will be more aware about other diseases like Alzheimer which
we are primarily focusing on currently. "Our goal is not only to raise funds, it is
also to raise Alzheimer's awareness," Hockaday said. In addition, just the existence
in the 5K alone would gather most students of Tarrant county college all together
to help raise awareness.
Our next step would be spreading the word and get people involved,
because now we know what we are going to do and which disease we are raising
money for, which is Alzheimer. We started passing out flyers with all of the
information for the 5k run/walk, around the Tarrant County College Campus. Also,
we used social media sites to spread the word between our friends and family, the
more people the better. Furthermore, our friends and family will be volunteers to
help direct everyone who is attending the race. During the run, we will have
informational flyers that deliver more facts and information about the disease and
how people can help families who are already suffering from it.

Conclusions

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This section includes our conclusions on all our research and the attitudes of
the faculty and students
Faculty Attitudes
The faculty that we have spoken to, including Cara Walker, completely
support the starting of a forgotten illness committee; beginning with Alzheimers
disease. They believe that this will be an effective way to bring awareness to our
community, and share similar concerns for the imbalance of support among the
illnesses.
Student Attitudes
The majority of the students surveyed share our committees viewpoint and
also believe that there are some illnesses that seem to have been forgotten. There
has been overwhelming positive support. Over 80% of the people surveyed would
support our cause and have even given us ideas of what event we should host next.

Recommendation

We recommend that Tarrant County College should proceed with support of

our committee. Our recommendation is cost effective, and already has the support
of the people. Not only would it bring the community together, but also allow
TCC as a whole help impact the world around us.
References

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1: Reid, T. R. "Alzheimers Research Funding Lags Other DiseasesDementia - AARP." AARP. AARP, Jan. 2015. Web. 16 Mar. 2016
2: Lisa Wirthmans The Economic Ripple Effect of Alzheimers Disease
3: Upcoming Events | Alzheimer's Association." Upcoming Events |
Alzheimer's Association. Web. 13 Apr. 2016.
4: "RUN to END Alzheimer's." RUN to END Alzheimer's. Web. 13 Apr.
2016.
5: Fallstrom, Bob. Alzheimers walk to raise funds, awareness of disease.
Herald & Review. 26 September 2013. EBSCO Web. 13 April 2016.

Appendix: Questionnaire

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1: Do you feel there are illnesses that deserve more

attention?
2: What illnesses do you feel deserve more attention? I.E.
Alzheimers, SUDC, Encephalitis
3: If you were to help spread awareness, would you rather
participate in a 5k run, or just make a donation? (Or
another event)
4: When, throughout the year, would be the best time to
hold an event to spread awareness of certain illnesses?

15