More than 300 Northwest Indiana residents joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s and united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions on October 6, 2013, at Washington Park in Michigan City. Totals are being finalized, but initial numbers indicate that participants raised more than $42,000 to fund Alzheimer's care, support and research programs.
“At every walk there’s a lot of passion and team spirit, but at the Michigan City Walk to End Alzheimer’s, in particular, the motivation of attendees was remarkable,” said Louise Thompson, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter Community Outreach Specialist. “We were concerned about the weather, but soon the sun came out and so did all the people, including a tremendous outpouring of volunteers. It’s wonderful to witness so many people coming together in support of Alzheimer’s care and research.”
Walk participants did more than complete the one mile walk. They learned more about Alzheimer’s disease and the Association’s critical role in the fight against it, including the latest about Alzheimer’s research and current clinical trials, how they can become involved in advocacy efforts at home and in Washington, DC and the Association’s support programs and services. The event also included an emotional tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s.
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 increase well beyond today's more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's. In Indiana alone, there are more than 120,000 people living with Alzheimer’s.
“The Walk is such a great way to honor those with the disease,” said Thompson. “As Cathy Berk, co-chair of the Michigan City Walk to End Alzheimer's said, ‘We will keep walking until there is a cure!’”
For more information or to make a donation, please visit alz.org/Indiana or call 800.272.3900.