More than 700 residents from northwest Indiana joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s and united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions on September 23, 2012, at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville. Totals are being finalized, but initial numbers indicate that participants raised more than $90,000 to fund Alzheimer's care, support and research programs.
“I was inspired by northwest Indiana residents uniting in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Heather Hershberger, an Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter Executive Director. “With funds raised, the Alzheimer’s Association will be able to provide much needed care and support to people affected by the disease as well as fund critically needed Alzheimer’s research.”
Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants did more than complete the one mile walk. They learned more about Alzheimer’s disease and the Association’s critical role in the fight against it, including the latest about Alzheimer’s research and current clinical trials, how they can become involved in advocacy efforts at home and in Washington, DC and the Association’s support programs and services. The event also included an emotional tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. In Indiana alone, there are 120,000 people living with Alzheimer’s.
For more information or to make a donation visit alz.org/Indiana.