'A Christmas Story' actor returns to Cleveland to spread awareness of Alzheimer's disease

CLEVELAND — Zack Ward, best known for his role as the neighborhood bully Scut Farkus in "A Christmas Story," returned to Cleveland just prior to Christmas to promote the work of the Alzheimer's Association. Ward's father, Todd, was diagnosed with the disease recently. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has limited opportunities for in-person interaction, the actor is well aware of his father's decline. "It's heartbreaking. It's a nightmare. … It's the closest thing to hell I know." Ward is an Alzheimer's Association "celebrity champion," a role he fully embraces and relates back to the movie, as well as his own family. "The real Christmas moment is the Parker family being together," says Ward. Although the Wards cannot see their father in person due to the realities of the pandemic, the family has grown even closer as they work to support the ailing former general contractor and outdoorsman. Hardship and family togetherness are elements of both "A Christmas Story" and the Wards' battle against Alzheimer's, though there is one tragic difference. The Parkers — in spite of financial concerns, neighborhood bullies and turkey-thieving hounds — generally overcome their obstacles. Currently, Alzheimer's provides no such path. "It doesn't get better," says Ward. "You end up forgetting how to speak, how to feed yourself, how to control your bowels." The protracted death sentence that is Alzheimer's destroys not only the sufferer, but often caregivers as well. Ward and his siblings immediately turned to the Alzheimer's Association to find resources, and despite the devastating realities of the diagnosis, the collective effort has resulted in greater family cohesion. The patriarch now lives in an assisted living home less than a mile from Ward's sister and her family. Still, many Americans are unaware of the resources available through the Alzheimer's Association, which provides a pathway to a variety of financial and support services. Ward bluntly characterizes the devastating impacts too many families experience in confronting the disease without sufficient support. "It will break you. It will ruin your life. It will ruin their life. It will take all your money." According to the actor, the disease now affects one in 10 people over age 65. In addition, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia — and little relief is in sight. The Alzheimer's Association's 2020 facts and figures report estimates that the number of Americans living with Alzheimer's will rise from 5 million today to nearly 14 million by 2050. Ward is unapologetic in his assertion that society has "shoved these people in a corner." Although some progress has been made, both public awareness and research lag far behind the cruel realities of the disease. The problem involves not only ignorance of the illness, but also money. "The thing with Alzheimer's is there is no remission," notes Ward. "Only research can fight Alzheimer's." Such medical research invariably comes with a hefty price tag, which is why Ward and others are volunteering time to raise awareness about the brutal nature of the widespread illness. Although Ward admits he is "angry" that Alzheimer's does not receive the attention it deserves, he does not come off as bitter or resigned. He instead chooses to embrace life fully and is more than willing to offer humorous anecdotes about his father, his family and his childhood. Ward, who grew up in Canada, would regale his schoolmates with grand stories of summering with his father in California. Nonetheless, sun and surf were not the focus of such visits. "I grew up swinging a hammer," reveals Ward. "My summer holidays? I was working with my dad in 120 degree weather in an attic, laying insulation." In part, such character-building sojourns resulted from the failure to become a major childhood star. Due to a variety of factors, "A Christmas Story" did not gain a substantial following until 24-hour cable TV marathons began in 1988. Ward has since parlayed the success into a long and diverse acting career, while Cleveland has added yet another reason for tourists to visit. Asked about returning to Northeast Ohio, Ward lights up. "It's always an amazing experience to be here in Cleveland. There's such an outpouring of love and appreciation." Still, Ward remains focused on his current mission. He strongly encourages cognition tests for older family members who suddenly become lost or disoriented. "If your parents or grandparents are getting confused, you need to move on this now." The 24/7 Alzheimer's Association helpline can be reached at 800-272-3900. To keep up with Ward and his work, follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @totalZackWard and on Cameo at www.cameo.com/DarthFarkus. ___ (c)2020 The Plain Dealer, Cleveland Visit The Plain Dealer, Cleveland at www.cleveland.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.