Walk to End Alzheimer’s to be held on October 11
Press release from Walk to End Alzheimer’s Gainesville
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Allie Jaffe walks for her mom, who is living with Alzheimer’s. Christina Ebey walks for her grandmother, aunt, and even close friends’ parents, who have all been impacted by Alzheimer’s. No matter who someone walks for, they all share in the hope to end Alzheimer’s and other dementia, the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Residents can join Jaffe and Ebey for Walk to End Alzheimer’s Gainesville on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave, in Gainesville. Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by the flower ceremony at 10 a.m., and then the Walk begins.
“I walk for my Mom, Linda Block, and everyone else’s loved ones who are dealing with this devastating disease,” Jaffe said. “I also walk for the caregivers who devote their time and energy caring for their loved ones. It takes patience, empathy and strength to be on this journey, and the more people who participate in the walk, the more good can be accomplished.”
More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s. An estimated 11 million family members and friends provide unpaid care for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Florida, over 580,000 people are living with the disease, supported by more than 870,000 unpaid caregivers. Alachua County has an estimated 4,800 people, or 11.6 percent of those over the age of 65, living with Alzheimer’s.
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.
“I walk because every step brings us closer to hope, awareness, and a cure,” Ebey said.
To register and receive the latest updates for this year’s Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s Gainesville, visit Alz.org/GainesvilleWalk or contact Steph Watts, stwatts@alz.org or 813-493-0026.