Photo: Steven Lenhart
Timbers alumni and fans are banding together to participate in Portland’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the name of former Timbers player Jimmy Conway.
Conway played for the Timbers from 1978 until 1980 and served as an assistant coach from 2001 until 2005. Diagnosed with trauma-induced dementia, Conway still remains active in the Timbers community with the help of friend, former teammate, and Timbers Alumni Ambassador Mick Hoban.
“My relationship with Jimmy is still good as he recognizes me in association with Timbers games. I have taken him to all of the Timbers home games the past two seasons,” said Hoban.
“As a friend and former teammate I was saddened to hear the diagnosis but like many other friends I said that I would do all I could do to help.”
Hoban has been involved in previous efforts to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association in Conway’s name. After Conway’s diagnosis in 2010, friends and family members committed to a series of testimonial events for Conway - including a silent auction, a testimonial match and a golf tournament, leading to a donation of $21,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The 2012 Portland Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held Sunday, September 23 at Portland International Raceway. Timbers fans are invited to walk alongside Conway, Hoban, friends, family and Timbers Army members to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. Fans are encouraged to register with the Friends of Jimmy Conway team and to wear “something soccer” to the event.
For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association, Walk to End Alzheimer’s and dementia, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website here.