The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting locals to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Nov. 14. The amount of participation in 2019 made it the largest walk in America.
This year, instead of hosting a large gathering, participants are encouraged to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails across the region. The national presenting sponsors are Edward Jones and CVS Health. The local presenting sponsor is Genesis HealthCare.
“This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be everywhere,” said Wendy Vizek, vice president, constituent events at the Alzheimer’s Association. “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. With the dollars raised, the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to provide care and support to families during these difficult times while also advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention.”
Planning to walk on Saturday is Chris Gruber, of Holland, who has been a board member of the Alzheimer’s Association for eight years. His father was diagnosed in 2004 at age 59, and the whole family was thrown off guard. Gruber was in graduate school in Boston, and returned home in 2007, partially to help care for his father, who battled for 11 years through different stages.
“It changed our lives, the entire family,” said Gruber.
He will walk with his wife, baby and sister. They’ll wear purple, carry balloons and have flags on the front lawn. Even the dog has a purple T-shirt. A start and finish line made with purple chalk will be on their driveway.
On the day of the walk, an opening ceremony will feature local speakers and a presentation of Promise Flowers to honor the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, all delivered to participants’ smartphones, tablets and computers. The Promise Garden is located outside Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
New features are being added to the walk’s mobile app to create an opportunity for the community to connect. Participants can use the app and new “Walk Mainstage” to track their steps and distance, follow a virtual walk path, manage their Facebook fundraisers, and access information and resources from the association and walk sponsors to help individuals and families affected by the disease. A new audio track is available to encourage participants along the way and to congratulate them upon completion of their walk.
“Alzheimer’s is not taking a hiatus during COVID-19 and neither are we,” said Kristina L. Fransel, Delaware Valley Chapter executive director. “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.
To register and receive the latest updates on the year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk
