Treasure Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s Goes Virtual

Participants are encouraged to take the annual walk to the trails, tracks, and paths across the Treasure Coast on Saturday, October 31

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The Alzheimer’s Association will host the Treasure Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 31. This year, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages participants to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, tracks, and trails across the Treasure Coast in lieu of a large gathering.

“This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be everywhere,” said Wendy Vizek, vice president of constituent events for the Alzheimer’s Association. “The pandemic is changing how we walk, but it doesn’t change the need to walk. This year, more than ever, we need to come together to support all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. With the dollars raised, the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to provide care and support to families during these difficult times while also advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention.”

To facilitate community connection, new features are being added to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s mobile app like “Walk Mainstage” which allows participants to track their steps and distance, follow a virtual Walk path, manage their Facebook fundraisers, and access information and resources from the Association and Walk sponsors to help individuals and families affected by the disease. A new audio track is available to encourage participants along the way and to congratulate them upon completion of their Walk.

On Walk day, an Opening Ceremony will feature local speakers and a presentation of Promise Flowers to honor the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

According to Toni Abraham, director of the Treasure Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s, more than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and an additional 16 million family members and friends are providing them with daily, unpaid care. In Florida alone, there are more than 580,000 people battling the disease and 1.1 million caregivers.

“Alzheimer’s is not taking a hiatus during COVID-19 and neither are we,” Abraham noted. “We must continue Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and we are working with all participants to ensure they have a powerful and moving experience that is felt when we are together. Many of our constituents are at higher risk when it comes to COVID-19 and we know that our volunteers and participants appreciate our commitment to keeping all involved healthy and safe.”

The Treasure Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s will begin with an Opening Ceremony broadcast at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 31. To register and receive the latest updates on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit www.alz.org/walk.

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