The Alzheimer’s Association invites Lake, LaPorte and surrounding county residents to unite in a movement to lead the way to Alzheimer’s first survivor by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®. The Lake County Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point, and the Michigan City Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place Saturday, Sept. 23 at Washington Park in Michigan City. Both walks are presented by Statewide Premier Partner Eli Lilly & Company.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s is more than a walk. It is an experience for nearly 1,500 participants in northwest Indiana who will learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved — from advocacy opportunities and clinical studies enrollment, to support programs and services. In 2016, the Lake County Walk to End Alzheimer’s raised nearly $125,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, and the Michigan City Walk to End Alzheimer’s raised $58,000. This year, the Alzheimer’s Association hopes to raise $143,000 in Lake County and $71,000 in Michigan City.
“The momentum in the fight to end Alzheimer’s continues to grow,” said Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter Executive Natalie Sutton. “The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an inspiring event that brings Hoosiers together in anticipation for a cure. Participants actively raise awareness and funds to advance research and provide care and support services for Indiana families facing Alzheimer’s disease.”
In addition to the one or three-mile walks, participants will enjoy complimentary food and family-friendly activities. Participants will also honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease with a poignant Promise Garden ceremony.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 15 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the U.S. In Indiana alone, there are 110,000 people living with the disease and 335,000 caregivers.
To start or join a team today, visit www.alz.org/walk. To learn more about the disease and available resources, call the toll-free Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272- 3900.
