Walk to End Alzheimer’s set for SWGA return

ALBANY — Southwest Georgians will have an opportunity to take part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 21 at Modern Gas in Albany.

Officials with the Alzheimer’s Association said Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants will complete a 2-mile walk and learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment, and support programs and services from association officials.

Walk participants can also join in a tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

“Seeing the Albany community come together for a cause that affects so many people is tremendous and shows that people really want to help end this disease,” Dan Phillips, resource development director for the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter, said. “The money that is raised at our Walk to End Alzheimer’s goes back to help those who are dealing with the disease through our free programs, services, research and advocacy efforts.”

Day-of registration for the Walk will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a ceremony at 5:30. The walk begins at 6 p.m. Modern Gas is located at 1335 U.S. Highway 82. The walk will be held on the company’s nature trail.

In addition to the 2-mile walk, officials said participants will enjoy a full day of fun. Participants can enter the annual rib showdown and have a chance to win $500. Activities on site will also include a cornhole tournament, festivities for children and live music.

At least 130 participants and 33 teams are currently registered to take part in the Albany walk. Alzheimer’s Association officials have set an $80,000 goal.

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. More than 15 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in the U.S.

In Georgia alone, more than 140,000 people are living with the disease and 519,000 caregivers are providing assistance, the Alzheimer’s Association said.

In 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association began mobilizing millions through the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk. The association is continuing the cause with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Similar events are taking place at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s campus track in Tifton on Oct. 28, in downtown Bainbridge on Oct. 21 and at the Lowndes County Courthouse in Valdosta on Nov. 3.

To join a team, register to walk or learn more about the event, visit www.georgiawalk.org. To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, visit www.alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.