Kickoff event on Sept. 4 for Gainesville Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Press release from Gainesville Walk to End Alzheimer’s

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – It’s time to kick off the Gainesville Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Village at Gainesville Tower Club, 8000 NW 27th Blvd.

This special event is open to the public and will give a glimpse of what this year’s Walk will look like and a chance to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association and how to get involved and create your own team. 

On Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, starting at 9 a.m., the Walk will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave., in Gainesville. This year’s local presenting sponsor is Meldon Law. 

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

In Florida, there are more than 580,000 people living with the disease and 840,000 unpaid dementia caregivers. Alachua County has an estimated 4,800 people or 11.6 percent over the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s. New treatments to help slow down the progression of the disease have been approved as recently as July and are giving families hope for the first time. 

On Walk day, 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. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

To register and receive the latest updates for this year’s Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, visit Alz.org/GainesvilleWalk or contact Skyler Davis at sjdavis@alz.org or 941.705.4967 for more information.