The Alzheimer’s Association invites Alexandria Lakes Area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in its Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Alexandria Area YMCA.
Participants can walk in their neighborhood or via the official mobile app or in-person following provided COVID safety protocols. Check-in is at 1 p.m., the opening ceremony at 2 p.m. with the Walk to follow.
Participants are encouraged to register early and fundraise to help the Alzheimer’s Association reach its $30,000 goal. Registration is free.
“Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and the work to achieve that begins here at home,” said walk manager Jenny Theis. “In Minnesota, there are more than 99,000 people living with the disease, and 170,000 caregivers. The funds raised during the walk will help provide our local community with free care and support services, because no one should go through it alone.”
On Walk Day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony – a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s – their personal reasons to end the disease.
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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.
Theis is supported by a committee co-chaired by Linsey Hillmer and Lindsey Sand, as well as Cally Endres, Mike Karasch, Andrew Holte and Stephanie Aasness.
The health and safety of participants is a top priority. COVID-19 protocols implemented follow local, state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, including contactless registration, physical distancing, masks (where required), hand sanitizing stations and more.
Supporters are welcome to walk from home by engaging in many Walk Day experiences through the Alzheimer’s Association website and mobile app. Experiences include a pre-recorded Opening and Promise Garden Ceremony, an augmented reality Promise Garden that allows participants to select a flower and plant it among others, as well as a route map to track your at-home walk.
Register, learn more and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk at act.alz.org/alexandria . Download the Walk to End Alzheimer’s app in the Itunes or Google Play Stores.
