Walk to End Alzheimer's this Saturday

More than 300 people are expected to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester. Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research, care and support.

Many of those participating on Saturday have supported the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for several years, including Whitney Pyles, financial advisor with Edward Jones and co-chair of the local Walk since 2021. “I join in the Walk to End Alzheimer's to support the millions of individuals suffering from this disease and to champion the millions of caregivers, many unpaid- the friends, family members and other loved ones who dedicate their time, devotion and share in the emotion of this disease. I walk in great hope that one day, we will have a cure,”says Whitney.

Soltana Fox, who walks with the Commonwealth Berryville team, is another participant returning for this year’s event. “I started doing the Walk when I began working in Memory Care at Commonwealth Senior Living,” says Soltana. “ Spending my days with so many special people who are fighting such a horrible disease yet are the most loving people I have ever met. The stories I have heard in the past 5 years are some of the most amazing, love-filled part of my day. People with Alzheimer’s are so often forgotten, I try to make every day a special day, not only for them but for anyone who loves them.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including 164,000 in Virginia. More 342,000 Virginians are among the 11 million Americans – family members and friends – who provide unpaid care to someone living with the disease. The estimated value of that unpaid care nationwide is nearly $350 billion dollars.

“There has never been a greater need for the community to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Kate Rooper, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter. “Funds raised through the Walk will provide information, education and support to people living with Alzheimer’s and their families and caregivers, while also contributing to advancing critically-needed research.”

The Walk features a poignant Promise Garden ceremony. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s personal connection to Alzheimer’s and signifies the solidarity of the Walk participants in the fight against the disease. They are:

• Blue: Someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
• Purple: An individual who has lost someone to the disease.
• Yellow: A person who is currently supporting or caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s.
• Orange: A participant who supports the cause and the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

Registration will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the Walk. Participation is free; however, participants are encouraged to raise funds. For more information and to register, visit alz.org/ncawalks or contact Brittney Stern at 703-766-9035 or
bhstern@alz.org.