The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, held in 600 communities across the U.S. The Pensacola Bay Area’s recently concluded event raised $77,000 to fund care, support and research programs for Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
Participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the Promise Garden ceremony, an event that signifies their solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent participants’ connections to Alzheimer’s disease and their personal reasons for walking.
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- Blue represents someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
- Purple is for those who have lost someone to the disease.
- Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s.
- Orange is for those who support the cause and the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
In Florida alone, there are more than 580,000 people living with the disease with 800,000 serving as their caregivers. For more information, visit alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7. You may also contact the helpline at 800.272.3900.
The event was made possible by the active participants, volunteers, and generous sponsors, including The Pulse.
About Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive, fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissues in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. By 2050 – that number is expected to more than double to 12.7 million.
Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. That’s an estimated 15.3 billion hours of assistance valued at nearly $257 billion.
