COLUMBUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on the community to register for the 2024 Marion Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, scheduled for Saturday, September 21 at the Marion Campus. Registration will begin at 8:00 AM, followed by the Promise Garden Ceremony at 9:00 AM, with the Walk commencing immediately afterward. This year’s Walk Chair is Lynda Schrader.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraising event for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research, with over 600 Walks taking place across the U.S. each year. The event supports the Alzheimer’s Association’s free educational programs, support groups, care services, and advancements in treatment and research.
On Walk day, participants will honor those affected by Alzheimer’s through the Promise Garden ceremony, a mission-focused experience that symbolizes solidarity in the fight against the disease. Walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each representing their personal connection to Alzheimer’s.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s, because there are finally treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Vince McGrail, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter. “Every step takes us closer to a cure, and every dollar raised supports a fight for a different future – one without Alzheimer’s and other dementia. We hope Central Ohioans will register their team and help us raise the awareness and funds we need for our friends and neighbors facing this disease.”
Participation in the Walk is free. Walkers and teams can set fundraising goals and earn incentives such as t-shirts, backpacks, water bottles, and blankets.
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk, visit the Marion Walk website.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, nearly 7 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s dementia, including 236,200 in Ohio. One in three seniors dies with the disease, more than breast and prostate cancer combined. In Ohio, 414,000 caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at over $11.4 billion.
For more information about Alzheimer’s or other dementia, and to access free support and resources, visit alz.org/centralohio or call the Central Ohio Chapter at 614-457-6003 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.