The largest Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the region will take place on October 4 as participants spread out and walk around Cuyahoga County to show their support for Alzheimer’s research, care and support.
Purple Alzheimer’s shirts will be seen in communities throughout the region as participants in the 2020 Cleveland Walk, presented by the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, walk in their neighborhoods instead of assembling as one large group at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo like last year. Walkers will also have new tools to enhance the Walk experience.
Registration is now open for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s and an online Pep Rally is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m., where people can hear inspirational stories and get more information about this year’s hybrid event. While the Alzheimer’s Association is not gathering a large crowd because of COVID-19 restrictions, participants are encouraged to walk individually or in small groups in their neighborhoods to join the movement.
“We wanted to provide participants multiple ways to support the ongoing needs of families facing Alzheimer’s disease, so we have found a way for people to walk safely or people can just fundraise and make a donation without walking,” said Katie Mang, Vice President, Fund Development for the Cleveland Area Chapter.
“This year the choice of how to participate is up to you and we appreciate the hundreds of people who have already signed up to join us on that day,” she said.
This year’s event co-chairs are Chelsae Poelking, Quality Systems Engineer, Integra LifeSciences, Mike Moscarino, Chief Information Officer, Cleveland-Cliffs, and Michele Radella. The goal is to raise $555,000.
Last year about 4,500 people participated at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The Walk Ceremony and the Promise Garden Ceremony will occur at 10 a.m. and will be live streamed.
This year a Promise Garden Parade will take place from 11a.m. - 3 p.m. in which people can view the planted Promise Garden from their vehicle. The Promise Garden will be located at the Pinecrest mixed-use district at 200 Park Ave., Beachwood.
People can go to HERE to register for the event and the Pep Rally. Mang encouraged participants to download the Walk to End Alzheimer’s app because the Association will use the app to livestream parts of the Walk program on Oct. 4.
On Walk Day, participants are encouraged to:
·Log onto Mainstage, the event’s interactive online experience
·Livestream the opening Promise Garden Ceremony
·Walk in your neighborhood
·Track your steps using the app
·Visit the Promise Garden location
The Cleveland Walk to End Alzheimer’s is one of four Walks the Cleveland Area Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is having this year. Last year about 6,400 Northeast Ohio residents, living in the five counties that the Chapter serves, participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. 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.
To register and more information click: HERE