The Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in San Diego and North County were great successes this fall, with more than 2,000 participants raising $500,000 to fund Association programs, support groups and research toward a cure.
The comradery and emotional moments were palpable, as people with Alzheimer’s, their care partners, families and those who just wanted to support the cause were in attendance. In the words of one participant, “this feels like one giant support group, and we are all in the same family.”
More than 6.5 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease today, two thirds of them women. The prevalence in Black, Hispanic and Asian American communities is significantly higher than the community at large. In San Diego County alone, more than 65,000 people are fighting the disease.
Alzheimer’s is a fatal progressive disease which kills nerve cells and tissue that affect individuals’ ability to remember, think, plan and function. As of now there is no known cure, but research has accelerated the chances that the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia is in reach during the lifetimes of the many reading this today.
This would not be possible without the participation of donors and volunteers who give selflessly to help those who cannot help themselves. If you missed this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, you can still donate at act.alz.org/sandiego or call the Alzheimer’s Association office at (619) 678-8322.
Just as important though, is for those who are able to give their time as an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, as either an educational program or support group moderator, or joining the planning committee of one of the Association’s annual fundraising events (the Brilliance Gala, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, or “The Longest Day,” a create-your-own fundraiser based on your own hobbies or interests).
Information on all the Alzheimer’s Association’s programs and other activities can be found on its website, www.alz.org/sandiego.
