INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 14, 2019 – Nearly 3,500residentsfrom the Indianapolis areajoined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’son Saturday, Oct. 12 at Victory Field.Participantsraised a combined total of $761,865.
“We are grateful to all of our sponsors, our volunteers and each and every participant who joined us this weekend,” said Julie Moore, director, Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Indianapolis. “While the event itself is an important way for individuals and families who are impacted by the disease to come together in a spirit of hope, fundraising doesn’t have to stop at the finish line. Donations to the 2019 Walk can continue right up until the end of the year, and even small amounts can have a big impact.”
The money raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s supports local care and support programs available to the community free of charge, including caregiver support groups, education programs and the 24/7 Helpline. It also funds Alzheimer’s and dementia research taking place in Indiana, across the country and around the globe.
This year’s Indianapolis Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place at Victory Field for the first time, which allowed organizers to add a number of new features. Local Alzheimer’s researchers answered questions about the disease at a new “Ask a Researcher” booth. A tribute area was added where participants could hang photos of their loved ones affected by the disease, creating a moving reminder of the many reasons we walk. There were also activities for young and old alike, including coloring, cornhole, and a putt-putt course that was handmade by Walk volunteers.
“We have received great feedback on the new venue from everyone involved,” said Natalie Sutton, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. “We’re already looking ahead to 2020, and we’re excited to continue taking advantage of all that Victory Field has to offer to create an even more meaningful experience for our participants.”
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Indiana alone, there are 110,000 people living with the disease and 340,000 caregivers.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’sis the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
