Purple Alzheimer’s shirts will be seen all over Harrison County this Sunday, Oct. 11, as participants in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s show their support for Alzheimer’s research, care and support.
Walkers participating in the North Central Walk to End Alzheimer’s will also have new tools to enhance the Walk experience. While the Alzheimer’s Association is not gathering a large crowd because of COVID-19 restrictions, participants are encouraged to walk individually in their neighborhoods to join the movement.
“Walk to End Alzheimer’s is our heartbeat in the community,” said Sharon M. Rotenberry, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association West Virginia Chapter. “This year, walkers are taking the event to their neighborhoods and local parks. We are excited about how that visibility will increase awareness of the disease and the mission.”
The goal is to raise $40,000. All money raised goes toward Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This year’s event chair is Amber Lewis, who works at River Oaks nursing facility in Clarksburg. Clarksburg Mayor Ryan Kennedy is the Advocacy Chair for this year’s Walk.
The Walk Ceremony, with the traditional Promise Garden Ceremony, will occur at 1 p.m. and will be livestreamed. This year there will be two view-only Promise Gardens. One will be outside Clarksburg City Hall and the other will be located at BB&T Bank next door to Meadowbrook Mall. Both will be available from 1-6 p.m. on Walk day.
People can go to alz.org/walk to register for the event. In addition, residents in Elkins and Randolph County can go to the North Central Walk page to register for the Potomac Highlands Walk to End Alzheimer’s which will also be held this Sunday, October 11.
On Walk Day, participants are encouraged to:
- Log onto Mainstage, the event’s interactive online experience
- Livestream the opening Promise Garden Ceremony
- Walk in your neighborhood
- Track your steps using the Walk to End Alzheimer’s app
- Visit the Promise Garden location
The North Central Walk to End Alzheimer’s is one of nine Walks the West Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is having this year. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive, fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissues in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan. There are 39,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease in West Virginia, and an additional 105,000 people affected through their role as caregivers.
