ALZHEIMER’S
ASSOCIATION WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’STM 2012
The Alzheimer’s
Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a united movement to reclaim the
future for millions. This year, The Cleveland Area Chapter is pleased to
present two walk events to serve even more individuals in northeast Ohio. Walks
will be held in downtown Cleveland and on the west side in Avon.
Walk to
End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, September 22 in Avon at the
All Pro Freight Stadium and Sunday, Oct.
7 at Tower City in Cleveland. Registration for both walks begins at 8:30
a.m., opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 and the Walks take off at 10:00 a.m.
Both walks are three miles long with an alternate one-mile shortcut. More than 2,500 people from the greater Cleveland
area are expected at this year’s events to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer’s
disease.
At the downtown event, kids will enjoy meeting the Cleveland
Cavaliers’ Moondog, Flower the Clown and the St. Ignatius Jugglers. Other
activities at both walks include a photo booth, face painting, crafts and
more! Walkers will also have the
opportunity to write a message in honor or memory of a loved one on their own
Promise Garden Flower. Walkers will carry the keepsake flowers with them on the
route, creating a moving visual to recognize loved ones.
The event provides an opportunity for the community to
learn
more about Alzheimer's disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical trial
enrollment, and support programs and services of the
Alzheimer’s Association. Each walker will also join in a
meaningful tribute ceremony to honor those affected by
Alzheimer's disease and kick off the walk.
The Need
Alzheimer’s is the largest underfunded public health threat facing the nation at this time. Alzheimer’s is now the 6th leading cause of death in America. Among the top 10 causes of death, Alzheimer’s is the only disease with no treatment, cure or way to slow down its progression.
“As we see the death rates fall for other major health threats such as heart disease, cancer and stroke, there is a correlation with the amount of private and federal funding that has backed the research efforts helping to eradicate those diseases,” said Nancy Udelson, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Cleveland Area Chapter. “We hope to raise funding so that we can see that same trend happen with Alzheimer’s.”
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the Association’s
largest effort to raise public awareness and encourage support for Alzheimer’s
research to stop this epidemic. Funds from the event will go to support
research grants as well as the many free services that the Alzheimer’s
Association provides to individuals with the disease and their caregivers.
