We are part of The Trust Project.
ALEXANDRIA — The Alzheimer’s Association invites Alexandria area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in its Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sunday, Sept. 4, at the Carlos Creek Winery, located at 6693 County Road 34 NW in Alexandria.
Check-in for the event is at 9 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. with the walk to follow. Participants are encouraged to register early and fundraise to help the Alzheimer’s Association reach its $55,000 goal. Registration is free.
Contributions raised at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s will fund the Association’s care and support programs for families in the Alexandria area, advocacy efforts, and advance research around the globe.
Lindsey Sarkahlati, whose family has fought a rare, early-onset form of Alzheimer’s disease, plans to attend the walk along with her aunt Karla.
“We have known about a gene for Alzheimer’s in our family since I was 18, so Alzheimer’s has been a huge part of my adult life. Since then, I have said goodbye to two uncles, and one aunt,” Lindsey said in a press release.
ADVERTISEMENT
Many of her family members have participated in research to treat this form of Alzheimer’s through the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network.
“We are looking forward to walking this year, and bringing more awareness to early onset Alzheimer’s disease,” Lindsey said. “It is devastating at any age, but to get it in your 40s and have your life cut in half takes devastation to a whole other level.”
On the day of the walk, 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. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent a person’s connection to Alzheimer’s, reflecting their personal reasons to end the disease.
Currently, more than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease — a leading cause of death in the United States. In Minnesota alone, more than 99,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia and are supported by 171,000 unpaid caregivers.
The volunteer walk committee is chaired by Lindsey Sand and Stephanie Aasness. Other committee members include Andrew Holte, Lisa Duberowski, Emily Erickson, Cally Endres, Barb Peterson, Steve Peterson and Joyce McIntosh. This event is made possible thanks to Premier sponsor SunOpta. National presenting sponsors for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s are Edward Jones and CVS Health.
The health and safety of participants is a top priority, and this event will follow state and CDC COVID-19 protocols. Register, learn more and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk at act.alz.org/alexandria .
