Walk to End Alzheimer's® Howard County is September 27 in Ellicott City

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s® – Howard County takes place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon at Centennial Park in Ellicott City (10000 Clarksville Pike, 21042). This annual event is held in over 600 communities across the U.S. and is the largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

Our Local Walk
Every year on Walk Day, our community comes together to support caregivers, honor those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and remember loved ones we've lost,” says Development Manager Gabrielle Shifflett, who oversees the event. “It’s a chance to connect, learn, and leave with tools to better support colleagues, family, and friends affected by these conditions.”

This FREE, family-friendly event offers a morning full of activities for all ages—from exhibitor tables and team photo ops to kids and pet zones, the inspiring Promise Garden Ceremony, and of course, the Walk itself. Whether you’ve participated for years or are joining us for the first time, everyone is welcome.

The Walk begins at the South/Main entrance of Centennial Park, near the Amphitheater. Parking is available across the street at Columbia Presbyterian Church or in the on-site grass overflow lot (weather permitting). Participants can choose between a short route (about 1 mile) and a long route around the lake (about 2 miles). For more details, visit the “More Event Info” section on our website.

Our Promise Garden Tells a Story
At every Walk to End Alzheimer’s, participants receive a pinwheel flower that symbolizes their personal connection to the cause. Blue represents those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, yellow is for caregivers, orange signifies supporters and advocates, and purple honors those who have lost someone to the disease.

During the Promise Garden Ceremony, four local walkers share their stories, each representing one of these colors. The Walk is often called the “biggest support group of the year,” and as the event begins and a sea of colorful flowers floats by, it’s easy to see why.

To register or make a donation, visit act.alz.org/HowardCounty

Thanks to fundraisers like the Walk, the Alzheimer’s Association is able to offer free support groups, educational programs, and resources to anyone in need. This year, the goal for the Howard County Walk is to raise $250,000—and every donation helps.

The Impact of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative brain disease with no known cure. It affects 7.2 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. In Maryland, more than 127,200 people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2025 Facts and Figures report, an estimated 258,000 Marylanders are providing 292 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $7 billion. In Howard County alone, approximately 5,500 seniors—or 11.4% of residents aged 65 and older—are living with Alzheimer’s.

These numbers reflect data from early 2024 and highlight the urgent need for awareness, support, and continued research.

About the Alzheimer's Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Visit alz.org/maryland or call 800.272.3900.