The annual “Walk To End Alzheimer’s” event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville.
The fundraising event starts at 9 a.m. at 4000 NW 53rd Ave. Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by the flower ceremony at 10 a.m., and then the Walk begins. Click here to register.
Residents can join Allie Jaffe and Christina Ebey for the event. Jaffe walks for her mom, who is living with Alzheimer’s. Ebey walks for her grandmother, aunt and even close friends’ parents who have all been impacted by Alzheimer’s. No matter who someone walks for, they all share in the hope to end Alzheimer’s and other dementia, the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“I walk for my mom, Linda Block, and everyone else’s loved ones who are dealing with this devastating disease,” Jaffe said in a press release. “I also walk for the caregivers who devote their time and energy caring for their loved ones. It takes patience, empathy and strength to be on this journey, and the more people who participate in the walk, the more good can be accomplished.”
More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s. An estimated 11 million family members and friends provide unpaid care for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Florida, over 580,000 people are living with the disease, supported by more than 870,000 unpaid caregivers. Alachua County has an estimated 4,800 people, or 11.6 percent, over the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s.
On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.
“I walk because every step brings us closer to hope, awareness and a cure,” Ebey said.
To receive the latest updates for this year’s Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s Gainesville, visit Alz.org/GainesvilleWalk or contact Steph Watts, stwatts@alz.org or 813-493-0026.