Participants Raise Critically Needed Funds for Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Research
The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Michigan City residents to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®. The Walk will take place on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. at Washington Park in Michigan City.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is more than a walk. It is an experience for more than 200 participants in Michigan City who will learn about Alzheimer's disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities, the latest in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trial enrollment to support programs and services.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s.
In addition to the Walk, registrants will receive a Promise Flower, making a commitment to fulfill their promise to remember, to honor, to care and to fight Alzheimer’s disease by participating in the Promise Garden. Through color, these Promise Flowers represent the diverse reasons participants have gathered, and each Promise Flower will carry a personally handwritten message to further strengthen their dedication. Walkers who have lost someone to Alzheimer’s will receive purple flowers. Caregivers and those walking in honor of an individual living with the disease will receive yellow flowers. Individuals with the disease will receive blue flowers. Those who may not have a personal connection to the disease, but support our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s receive orange flowers. Once this message is written, participants come together for a heart-felt ceremony prior to walking. Together, the
Promise Flowers create a dynamic, colorful and meaningful garden. Participants are welcome to carry their Promise Flowers as they walk and take their flowers home to remember their Walk experience and their loved ones.
Last year, the Michigan City Walk to End Alzheimer’s raised more than $28,000. This year’s goal is $38,000. “There has never been a greater need for the citizens of Michigan City to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter Executive Director Heather Hershberger. “Funds raised will provide care and support services to the thousands of Hoosiers living with Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to advancing critically-needed research.”
Start or join a team today by visiting alz.org/Indiana. For more information, call 800-272-3900.
About the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®:
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s – the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
About the Alzheimer's Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health