Walk to End Alzheimer’s planned for Medina on Oct. 8
File photo by Tom Rivers: More than 100 people walked 2 miles on Oct. 13, 2018 to raise funds to support people battling Alzheimer’s. Some of the walkers pass the canal bridge by State Street Park and head to the towpath by the Erie Canal.
Press Release, Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter
MEDINA – The Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, is inviting Orleans County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 8 at State Street Park in Medina. Registration will begin at 10 a.m., with the Walk commencing at 11 a.m.
“The Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s is our signature event for awareness and we are thrilled to bring the Walk back as a completely in-person event this year,” said Lynn Westcott, senior director of development at the WNY Chapter.
Covid-19 concerns prompted the Alzheimer’s Association to hold a virtual Walk in 2020 and a hybrid version in 2021.
(Editor’s Note: The Alzheimer’s Association has set a $28,000 fundraising goal for the Medina event and has already raised $12,645.)
On walk day, participants come together to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and raise funds that ensure the programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association are free to all who need them. In addition, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony, with the colors of the Promise Garden flowers representing people’s connection to Alzheimer’s – their personal reasons to end the disease.
Mary Lou Tuohey, a member of the Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee, shares, “I’m excited to serve on this committee of this year’s event because I know how devastating this disease can be, and the funds raised by the Walk will help bring us closer to a cure. I’m walking in remembrance of my Mom, Jane, and my Dad, Don, and I invite everyone in Orleans County to join us for this fun, family-friendly event in support of a great cause.”
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York alone, there are more than 410,000 people living with the disease and 580,000 caregivers.
This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is presented by Uniland. To register and receive the latest updates on the Orleans County Walk, visit act.alz.org/orleans. To learn more about the planning committee or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lynn Westcott at lwestcott@alz.org or 716.440.4251.
