For the Tomahawk Leader
RHINELANDER – The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting the public to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” next month.
The event will be held at the Hodag Dome, 863 Hodag Dome Dr., Rhinelander, on Saturday, Sept. 21. The event opens at 8:30 a.m., with the Opening Ceremony at 9:40 a.m. and the Walk at 10 a.m.
“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,” a release from the Alzheimer’s Association said. “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.”
“We walk not only to honor those we’ve lost and those currently battling Alzheimer’s, but also to build a hopeful future for the next generation,” said Jim Brust, Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Rhinelander Chair. “This event brings our community together, uniting us in a shared purpose. Every step we take brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s, and together, we can make a lasting impact.”
As advancements in Alzheimer’s treatments continue, the release said, participants are stepping forward to create a brighter future for families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
“They walk to honor their loved ones battling the disease, those they have lost and to support future generations,” the release stated.
The event starts with the touching Promise Garden ceremony, where walkers carry a colored flower symbolizing their personal connection to the disease.
“The Alzheimer’s Association is also excited to share that Jeff Levering, a sportscaster covering the Milwaukee Brewers, will be the Honorary Chair for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s supporting all 27 Wisconsin walks,” the release stated. “Having Jeff Levering as our Honorary Chair brings a sense of unity and hope to our efforts, and his involvement inspires our community to come together in the fight against Alzheimer’s.”
The release said more than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In Wisconsin, more than 110,000 people are living with the disease and serving as unpaid caregivers. In Oneida County alone, more than 1,315 individuals age 65 and older are living with dementia.
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit www.act.alz.org/rhinelander. Pre-registration is encouraged.
For more information, contact Julie St. Pierre, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 715-352-4091.