San Diego Walk to End Alzheimer’s Draws 2,200+ to NTC Park at Liberty Station

More than 2,200 participants turned NTC Park at Liberty Station into a sea of color and hope on Saturday, Oct. 4, for the Alzheimer’s Association’s San Diego Walk to End Alzheimer’s — marking one of the largest walks in the chapter’s history.

The 2024 Walk was the most successful to date, and early indicators suggest that the 2025 Walk is on track to surpass that milestone. With hundreds of teams and thousands of supporters, the event united families, caregivers, advocates and community members in a powerful demonstration of solidarity and determination to create a world without Alzheimer’s and all other forms of dementia.

Proceeds from the Walk directly support the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. In San Diego alone, the Association is currently funding $20 million in active research, helping to drive breakthroughs in treatment and prevention that is changing the trajectory of the disease.

The morning began with the moving Promise Garden ceremony, a signature tradition of the Walk. Participants raised brightly colored flowers — each hue representing a personal connection to the disease — in a poignant tribute to those living with Alzheimer’s, those lost to it, and the caregivers and champions who support them.

Among the featured speakers was Lis Eddy, a local caregiver whose husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago.

“It’s heartbreaking to see the changes in someone you love,” Eddy said. “But since I got involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, I’ve become more hopeful. We have come so far. And I totally believe we are on the verge of finding a cure, or at the very least a treatment that will stop the progress completely.”

Eddy also shared how the Association’s education programs, support groups and resources have helped her navigate the challenges of caregiving. She encouraged others to get involved — whether by walking, volunteering or participating in clinical research.

The event was emceed by Emily Griffiths, co-host of The Show on Rock 105.3 FM, who returned to lend her voice and energy to the cause.

The Alzheimer’s Association San Diego Walk to End Alzheimer’s was brought to San Diego by National Presenting Sponsor, Edward Jones, and national sponsor Biogen. Local sponsors include Qualcomm, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sungarden Terrace, AMN Healthcare, Molina Healthcare, The Neurology Center, Best Buy Health, Tembo Health, Sycuan Casino Resort, Belmont Village Senior Living, Oakmont Senior Living, Ivy Senior Living, Cheer Home Care & Health Care, El Camino Memorial Park, Arosa Care, Blue Shield Promise, My Senior Health Plan, USC Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, Partners in Healthcare, Independent Living Systems, Oliver Audiology, Calmoseptine, TheKey, and St. Paul’s Senior Living. Media sponsors include KUSI-TV and iHeart Media.

For more information or to get involved in the fight to end Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/sandiego.