Meet CBS News Correspondent and Author Barry Peterson at Fullerton Memory Walk -- Author Will Also Appear at Special Book Signing of "Jan's Story: Lost to the Long Goodbye of Alzheimer's"

IRVINE, CA, October 15, 2010 (Press-News.org) The Alzheimer's Association of Orange County will launch its 2010 Memory Walks at Cal State University Fullerton on Saturday, October 23, featuring CBS News Correspondent Barry Peterson as honorary grand marshal. He will also appear at a special book signing of "Jan's Story: Lost to the Long Goodbye of Alzheimer's" on Monday, October 25.

Peterson's career spans more than three decades with CBS News. He has reported on everything from wars and natural disasters to Paris fashions and the return of American Jazz to Shanghai, China. His stories have been datelined from virtually every continent.

He is also author of "Jan's Story: Love Lost to the Long Goodbye of Alzheimer's", detailing the personal account of his wife, Jan Chorlton's, diagnosis with early onset of Alzheimer's Disease at age 55. Jan was also a journalist, reporting from both Japan and the former Soviet Union for CBS News Radio, CBS News Sunday Morning, and the CBS Weekend News. View the CBS News Sunday Morning segment on Chorlton http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6601253n&tag=related;photovideo.

Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor, NBC Nightly News said, "This is a love story, a travelogue, a television history...and a stunning, achingly personal journey. Dashing and fearless, nothing could stop Barry, the veteran war correspondent, until tragedy knocked him cold. This is the story of life, love, loss and renewal."

Peterson is a strong supporter of the Alzheimer's Association and donates ten percent of his royalties from the book to the association. He also travels the country to support the Memory Walks, one of the nation's largest events to raise awareness and funds for quality care and critical research. The Orange County Chapter is particularly grateful for his support, because more than 66,000 Orange County residents are affected by memory loss disorders, a number expected to double by 2030. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the county.

"We are extremely honored that Barry Peterson is showing his support by leading our walk, and also by sharing his deeply moving and personal journey with this disease," said Alzheimer's Association of Orange County CEO Jim McAleer. "His is an amazing story of enduring love that many of you who have experienced the affects of Alzheimer's may recognize. Please join us for a great day of community caring, awareness and most of all, fun! Sign up to walk, donate to a walker and spread the word! We MUST do more to move this cause forward!"

As honorary grand marshal, Peterson will motivate the walkers with an inspirational keynote to launch the event. In addition, honorary event chairs Wing Lam, CEO, Wahoo's Fish Tacos and Insco Dico President Harry Crowell, will be on hand to cheer on the walkers.

There will be two and four mile routes, and dozens of clinical study opportunities for individuals with and without memory impairments. There will be live music by Mark Woods, street performers, dozens of exhibitor booths, a Kidz Zone and Doggie Dugout, complete with free doggie bandannas. A nondenominational Candlelighting Service at 8 a.m. offers an opportunity for reflection and remembrance.

There is no fee to participate, but entrants are encouraged to raise funds for the organization by asking friends, families and co-workers for donations. Participants raising more than $100 will receive a 2010 Memory Walk t-shirt and other prizes according to the amount raised. Both individual entries and teams are welcome to take part. Volunteer opportunities are still available.

Event Details:
Fullerton Memory Walk:
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. - Walk starts at 9:30 a.m.
Cal State Fullerton Campus Engineering Lawn (free parking available in parking structure 4)
For more information, visit www.alzoc.org or call Andrea McDonald at 949.757.3708.

Book Signing:
Monday, October 25, 2010, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
First American Financial Corporation
1 First American Way
Santa Ana, CA 92707
RSVP to 949.757.3712 or Andrea.Stephens@alz.org

About Alzheimer's Association, Orange County
The Orange County Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association provides a comprehensive suite of programs and services -- provided at no charge -- to meet myriad and evolving needs of people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, their families, caregivers and the community. For more information, please go to www.alzoc.org.

Save the Date! Huntington Memory Walk on Saturday, November 6.