Amy Hamby Walks in Fayetteville With Early-Stage Alzheimer's

Amy Hamby is facing a personal battle while stepping out into the public eye this Saturday. The Erwin resident, who was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's in 2024, will participate in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's in Fayetteville. For Hamby, the event is more than a charity walk; it is a way to honor her father, whom her family affectionately called Poppy, and to raise awareness for a disease that now shapes her own daily life.

The walk is expected to draw hundreds of participants to Segra Stadium at 9 a.m. on Saturday. It is part of a national movement to address a condition affecting more than seven million Americans. That statistic translates to roughly one in nine people age 65 and older. Given that someone in the country receives an Alzheimer's diagnosis every 65 seconds, the event serves as a reminder that each case involves a distinct person, a family, and a unique story of perseverance.

Hamby’s connection to the disease runs deep. She lost her father in 2008, but at the time, her family did not fully understand the genetic component of his illness. Even though she is a nurse, she said she had no idea that her father carried the specific gene that would later be passed down to her. She described that realization as a surprise, noting that she had assumed the family history was not as direct as it turned out to be.

Her own diagnosis came in 2024 when she was 59 years old. Before that, she attributed her symptoms to the widely discussed phenomenon of post-viral cognitive issues. She recalled thinking that something was not right after a couple of years had passed. Testing revealed that Hamby carries two copies of the APOE-4 gene. This is a significant risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's, where one copy raises risk by two to three times, and two copies can increase the likelihood by as much as 10 to 15 times.

Living with the condition has brought changes to her daily routine. Hamby admits that she sometimes asks her children to repeat questions. Despite these challenges, she continues to engage with the things she loves. Cooking remains a lifelong passion, and she recently flipped through a cookbook of family recipes that sparked fond memories. She finds joy in sharing meals with her family, which helps maintain a sense of normalcy and connection.

Treatment remains a complex issue for Hamby. She is currently waiting for approved therapies, but she acknowledges that these options carry considerable risk for her specifically because of her two gene copies. She stated that despite the risks, she believes the treatment is worth the potential benefits. Her goal is to make the most of the time she has with her children and to live life to the fullest.

Since her diagnosis, Hamby has taken on an advocacy role. She has traveled to Raleigh to work on legislation that supports Alzheimer's research and care. Her efforts are driven by a desire to help others while also securing a better future for those currently living with the disease. She sees her participation in the walk and her legislative work as interconnected parts of her mission.

The walk is open to anyone who wishes to participate or show their support. Registration is still available for those looking to join the crowd. As the community gathers at the stadium, the focus will be on unity and the ongoing fight against the disease. For Hamby, walking alongside others who share similar experiences provides a sense of solidarity and hope.

The event highlights the importance of early detection and genetic understanding in managing the disease. By sharing her story, Hamby aims to demystify the condition for others who may be experiencing similar symptoms. The walk serves as a tangible reminder that while Alzheimer's is a serious health challenge, it is also a community effort to find solutions and support those affected.

As the morning approaches, participants are encouraged to dress comfortably for the physical activity. The atmosphere is expected to be supportive and energetic. For Hamby, the day will be a mix of reflection and forward momentum. She is walking not just for herself, but for her father and for the many families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's across the country.