The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s was held Monday at Vel Phillips Memorial High School with over 700 people walking for the cause.
According to The Alzheimer’s Association, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the largest fundraising event for Alzheimer's research and care. It takes place around the world with participation from 48 countries and over 600 community chapters. The walk was organized to raise money for research into treating, preventing and finding a cure for Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer’s is defined by the Alzheimer's Association as “a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.” Alzheimer's affects 50 million people worldwide and around 120,000 people in Wisconsin. The search for a cure is ongoing, with $3.1 billion being raised annually in the United States per The CDC.
Dane County’s local Walk to End Alzheimer's event raised over $170,000 and aims to reach $230,000. This money will go toward local research into treatments, a 24/7 helpline, support groups and many other important services that help those suffering from this disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
“We’re grateful for how the local community rallied together to raise awareness and funds to support our mission. We thank everyone for their unrelenting dedication to helping us end Alzheimer’s,” said David Grams, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter.
Donations will be accepted until Dec. 21. To donate online, visit act.alz.org/madison or mail your donation to:
Alzheimer's Association
Attn: WTEA Madison, WI
7900 W. 78th Street, Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55439
