The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Quad Citians to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Vibrant Arena at the Mark in Moline.
Alzheimer’s research is closing in on stopping Alzheimer’s, according to a news release. To get there, however, the Alzheimer’s Association needs the Quad Cities’ support for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.
“We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s,” Megan Olsen, walk manager, said in the release. “We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”
Registration is free for the walk, though participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the association to provide 24/7 care and support while advancing research toward methods of prevention, treatment, and ultimately, a cure.
On the day of the walk, participants will honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with Promise Garden flowers, signifying solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers – purple, yellow, blue and orange – represent the different reasons why people walk to end this disease.
More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which is a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, there are more than 11 million family members and friends providing care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In Iowa and Illinois alone, according to the release, there are nearly 300,000 people living with the disease and 410,000 caregivers.
For more information and to register, visit alz.org/walk.
