‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ Across Space Coast Set Sept. 26, Participants to Walk as Individuals or Small Groups

By  //  September 17, 2020

Walk to be held on sidewalks, tracks and trails around the Space Coast

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Space Coast residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 26.

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Space Coast residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 26.

This year, the Space Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s continues, but instead of hosting a large gathering, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging participants to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails around the Space Coast.

“This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be everywhere,” said Wendy Vizek, vice president of constituent events at the Alzheimer’s Association.

“The pandemic is changing how we walk, but it doesn’t change the need to walk. This year, more than ever, we need to come together to support all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. With the dollars raised, the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to provide care and support to families during these difficult times while also advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention.”

This year’s event will include time-honored components of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – such as the Opening Ceremony featuring local speakers and a presentation of Promise Flowers to honor the personal reasons participants join the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia – all delivered to participants’ smartphones, tablets and computers.

For Space Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee Chair Amanda Walker, those personal reasons include the many residents she has cared for while working at assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.

“I have seen firsthand how Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect not only those diagnosed but their loved ones and caregivers,” she said. “I have heard their stories, I remember their stories, and so I fight for them. I fight for awareness and understanding of this disease so we can better support and care for our community and loved ones.”

To enhance the participant experience leading up to the event and on Walk day, new features are being added to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s mobile app to create an opportunity for the community to connect.

Participants can use the app and new “Walk Mainstage” to track their steps and distance, follow a virtual Walk path, manage their Facebook fundraisers, and access information and resources from the Association and Walk sponsors to help individuals and families affected by the disease.

Participants can use the app and new “Walk Mainstage” to track their steps and distance, follow a virtual Walk path, manage their Facebook fundraisers, and access information and resources from the Association and Walk sponsors to help individuals and families affected by the disease.

A new audio track will also be available to encourage participants along the way and to congratulate them upon completion of their Walk.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 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 are providing care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Florida alone, there are more than 580,000 people living with the disease and 1.1 million caregivers.

SPACE COAST DAILY TV: Steve Wilson interviews Amanda Harris in 2019 about the Space Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s.


Space Coast Walk Director Amanda Harris said, “Alzheimer’s is not taking a hiatus during COVID-19 and neither are we. We must continue to Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and we are working with all participants to ensure they have a powerful and moving experience that is felt when we are together. Many of our constituents are at higher risk when it comes to COVID-19 and we know that our volunteers and participants appreciate our commitment to keeping all involved healthy and safe.”

The Space Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s will begin with an Opening Ceremony broadcast at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is 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.

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