Walk To End Alzheimer’s Set For Sept. 26 At Riverfront Park In Cocoa Village

By  //  September 23, 2015

An estimated $226 billion spent on caring for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia this year alone

Walk To End Alzheimers-580
Over five million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease; and, over the course of the next several years, that number is expected to triple. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Over five million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease; and, over the course of the next several years, that number is expected to triple.

An estimated $226 billion will be spent on caring for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia this year alone.

And, in the state of Florida, over half-a-million people are currently diagnosed – making us the second highest state in the country for prevalence.

Despite these staggering statistics, the Alzheimer’s Association remains optimistic for the future, hosting over 600 Walks to End Alzheimer’s across the country and raising over $135 million annually.

On September 26, at Riverfront Park in Historic Cocoa Village, walkers will begin the 3- mile inspirational journey around the park.

“The community of Space Coast does an outstanding job raising funds, volunteering their time and building a vibrant, passionate crowd of Walk Teams,” says Alzheimer’s Association Assistant Director of Community Outreach, Tanya Thompson.

“Truly, I’m overwhelmed by the response. We hope to engage the most successful Walk to End Alzheimer’s® season our chapter has had to-date, raising almost $1 million over all of our nine walks in North and Central Florida.”

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is also the country’s largest fundraising event for Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is the only one among the top ten deadly diseases in our country with no known cause, effective treatment or cure.

This year, the Central and North Florida Chapter hopes to raise approximately $121,000 for community programs and research in Brevard County to help families and their loved ones manage through this healthcare epidemic.

Kay Redington
Kay Redington

“There has never been a greater need for the people of Brevard County to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s®,” said Kay Redington, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Central and North Florida Chapter.

“The money we raise goes towards critically-needed research and free support services the Association provides in the greater Space Coast and Brevard County area. Currently, there is no treatment or cure for Alzheimer’s disease; and there are approximately 17,000 people in greater Brevard living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.

These numbers are alarming, but we know that research is our best course in finding a cure. These walks support essential funding needed to give scientists and researchers the chance to succeed,” she adds.

Space Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s® takes place on Sat., Sept. 26, 2015. Registration/check-in begin promptly at 8:00am. The official ceremony begins at 9:00am. The Walk begins at Riverfront Park after the opening ceremony.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Walk To End Alzheimers-580-1
An estimated $226 billion will be spent on caring for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia this year alone. And, in the state of Florida, over half-a-million people are currently diagnosed – making us the second highest state in the country for prevalence. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
Walk To End Alzheimers-580-2
An estimated $226 billion will be spent on caring for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia this year alone. And, in the state of Florida, over half-a-million people are currently diagnosed – making us the second highest state in the country for prevalence. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)