Leslie Sykes will Host Walk to End Alzheimer’s on June 10

Leslie Sykes, co-anchor of the ABC7 Eyewitness News at 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., will host the Alzheimer’s Association® Walk to End Alzheimer’s^™ on Sunday, June 10 at Woodley Park in Van Nuys (6350 Woodley Ave., 91436). 

More than 1,200 participants from throughout the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles County will show their support and raise funds for Alzheimer’s awareness, treatment, and research.  Active in the Southern California community, Leslie Sykes was born in San Diego and grew up in Compton, Calif.  She attended St. Joseph High School and then went to Spelman College in Atllanta where she majored in English. 

Upon graduation, Leslie took a job as a general assignment reporter at the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. She entered television broadcasting as a reporter and news producer with WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, MS before moving to WVUE-TV in New Orleans, La. She joined ABC7 in Los Angeles in 1994. 

This is the 2^nd annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the San Fernando Valley and will include a 5K walk route, musical entertainment by the talented duo Jusstuss, the hip-hop pair “Reggie & Sheila,” team photos, awards, and a family festival with refreshments, a wellness expo and a KidZone.

Walkers who raise $100 or more receive a commemorative T-shirt, and there are prizes for top fundraising teams and individuals. Onsite registration opens at 7 a.m. opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Walk begins at 9 a.m. Dogs are welcome, but must be people-friendly and leashed.  

To register, start a team, donate, or volunteer, contact the Alzheimer’s Association atwww.alz.org/socal or (800) 272-3900. Belmont Village Senior Living, Westfield Topanga, Jerry’s Deli, Regency Park Senior Living, Silverado Senior Living, and Providence Health & Services are among the many community businesses that are supporting the event. 

Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, walk participants across the United States have raised more than $400 million for the Alzheimer's Association – the leading voluntary health organization for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Its 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. 

For information about the California Southland Chapter, visit www.alz.org/socal or call toll-free: (800) 272-3900.