Taking Steps to End Alzheimer’s Disease
While I participate in several charity walks each year, the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk is the closest to my heart. I worked for the Alzheimer’s Association for five years, and my grandma died of the disease while I was in college. If you’re not familiar with Memory Walk, here’s what you need to know:
What is Memory Walk?
Memory Walk is the signature fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Association. This year, over 200,000 people will participate in more than 600 Memory Walks across the country.
Where Does the Money Go?
What’s great about Memory Walk is that not only does the money raised go towards research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s; the money also goes to the communities that hold Memory Walks to provide services and care for the local families who are facing Alzheimer’s disease.
Who Participates?
Memory Walks are attended by people of all ages — pets are often allowed too! Most participants have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease in some way, whether through a relative, friend, or someone they cared for through their work. People in the early and middle stages of Alzheimer’s also attend. Walkers can participate as individuals or as members of a team. Businesses and organizations in the community often form teams that foster healthy fundraising competition.
How Long is the Walk?
This varies from walk to walk. Walks may be anywhere from 1 – 3+ miles to accommodate different abilities and preferences among local participants.
What Else Happens at Memory Walk?
This also varies from walk to walk. Most Memory Walks occur on weekend mornings in the fall, and many include a continental breakfast, warm-up period, guest speakers, and door prizes. Other activities might include a carnival for kids or a resource fair featuring information about local agencies that serve families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Is There a Registration Fee?
Most Memory Walks request a registration fee of $25-$50, but some do not require any fee. Walkers receive a t-shirt and may qualify for incentive prizes depending on how much money they raise.
How Do I Get Involved?
To find a Memory Walk near you, go to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Official Memory Walk Website. The site is very user friendly and allows you to find the walk nearest you, register online, and set up your own personal fundraising page. If there isn’t a walk near you, or if it’s already taken place this year, you can still raise money by participating in a virtual walk. The personal fundraising page allows you to upload a photo, customize your message, set your fundraising goal, and send emails to family and friends to request donations.
Why Walk?
I walk because I watched my grandma die of Alzheimer’s. Not only did I witness firsthand how devastating this disease can be; I also worked with hundreds of caregivers and families during my five years at the Alzheimer’s Association and felt their heartache and desperation as Alzheimer’s slowly stole their loved ones from them. I want to stop this disease. I don’t want to see another family suffer. That’s why I participate in Memory Walk.
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