Around 300 individuals came together at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center in Aiken for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease. This event serves as a support network for both patients and caregivers, offering a sense of community and raising funds for research. In an effort to create more awareness about this devastating disease, participants will gather again for a two-mile walk on the Steeplechase grounds on October 7th.
Mark Ward, the walk manager for the event, emphasized the importance of talking about Alzheimer’s, stating that many people are dealing with it but few openly discuss it. The funds raised during the walk will not only contribute to Alzheimer’s research but also provide a platform for caretakers, patients, and anyone affected by the disease to connect with one another.
This year, the event aims to support the Alzheimer’s Association by donating the funds raised to further their work in supporting families impacted by Alzheimer’s and conducting vital research. Sharon Rodgers, the Executive Committee Chair, highlighted the significance of funding in enabling progress and the development of new drugs and treatment methods for the disease.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will commence with an opening ceremony featuring a performance by Hunter Laird, who will be dedicating a song to his late grandfather. The Promise Garden ceremony will honor those affected by Alzheimer’s, with participants holding flowers of different colors symbolizing their experiences. Blue represents patients living with Alzheimer’s, yellow represents caregivers, purple represents those who have lost someone to the disease, and orange represents individuals who believe in a world without Alzheimer’s. There will also be one white flower symbolizing hope for a future cure.
Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of death in the United States, affecting more than 6 million people nationwide. In South Carolina alone, over 95,000 individuals live with this devastating disease. Aiken, with its sizable senior population, requires a strong support system for both patients and caregivers, which events like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s aim to provide.
This walk is one of the nine organized by the Alzheimer’s Association in South Carolina and one of 600 held across the United States. Mariah Navarre from Aiken Memory Care expressed the importance of the event in providing support and building connections for those going through similar experiences.
Families are encouraged to participate, and even dogs are welcome to join in on the walk. If you wish to take part, visit alz.org/walk or call 800-272-3900 for more information.
In conclusion, the Aiken Walk to End Alzheimer’s unites the community, raises funds for research, and offers support to patients and caregivers. By participating in this event, individuals can contribute to Alzheimer’s research while also finding comfort and understanding among a supportive community. The walk symbolizes hope for a future without Alzheimer’s and serves as a reminder that no one is alone in their journey with this disease.
