The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Livingston County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on Oct. 3, 2020.
The Livingston County Walk to End Alzheimer’s continues, 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 county. And Howell Mayor Nick Proctor, co-chair of this year’s event, has thrown down the gauntlet to his fellow elected officials.
“I particularly want to challenge those of us in elected positions, and those in public service throughout Livingston County to join us for the year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” Proctor said. “Like many people throughout Livingston County, I’ve witnessed first-hand the devastation as I watched a few of my own family members struggle with this disease as it wiped away memories – the fabric and tapestry of one’s life – before finally succumbing.”
Because of the pandemic, this year’s event will be conducted at a safe distance and through added virtual options.
“Whether you’re able to put a team together and walk through your neighborhood, sponsor the event, or make a cash donation, your participation will go far in funding needed research and the fantastic work of the Alzheimer’s Association,” Proctor said.
“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.”
Time-honored components of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s are being replicated. On Walk day, 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. A small group of Alzheimer’s Association staff and volunteers are working to create the iconic Promise Garden in a “view only/drive through” format on Walk day. The main garden will be located in Brighton at a location to be announced in the coming weeks. A second, smaller garden will be located in Howell on the lawn of the Livingston County Courthouse.
To enhance the participant experience leading up to the event and on Walk day, new features are being added to the Walk to End Alzheimer’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.
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 Michigan alone, there are more than 190,000 people living with the disease and 518,000 caregivers.
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: act.alz.org/Brighton.
