Triangle area residents are invited to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 10.
But instead of hosting a large gathering, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging participants to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails across the Triangle area.
“This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be everywhere,” said Lisa Roberts, executive director of the Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “The pandemic is changing how we walk, but it doesn’t change the need to walk. This year, more than ever, we need to come together to support all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.”
Time-honored components of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s are being replicated. On walk day, an opening ceremony hosted by ABC11 news anchor Tisha Powell, will feature local speakers and an online presentation of Promise Flowers to honor the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. After participants walk in their neighborhoods, they can drive by the iconic Promise Garden that will be set up at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh to honor all those impacted by Alzheimer’s.
“Alzheimer’s is not taking a hiatus during COVID-19 and neither are we,” said Maureen Gilchrist, 2020 Triangle Walk Chair. “We must continue Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and we are working with all participants to ensure they have a powerful and moving experience that is felt when we are together. Many of our constituents are at higher risk when it comes to COVID-19, and we know that our volunteers and participants appreciate our commitment to keeping all involved healthy and safe.”
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In North Carolina alone, there are more than 180,000 people living with the disease and 479,000 caregivers.
To sign up as a walker or to learn more about theWalk to End Alzheimer’s, visit act.alz.org/triangle or call (800) 272-3900.
