On Saturday, Dec. 7 starting at 8 a.m., the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Polk County will be held at Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Boulevard, in Lakeland. The Walk is two miles. For more info alz.org/PolkCountyWalk.
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease 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 Florida, there are more than 580,000 people living with the disease and 840,000 unpaid dementia caregivers. Polk County has an estimated 17,900 people or 11.8 percent over the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s.
New treatments to help slow down the progression of the disease have been approved as recently as July and are giving families hope for the first time.
On Walk Day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.
Local presenting sponsors are Lakeland Regional Health, Mary E. Tye and Publix Super Markets Charities. National presenting sponsor is Edward Jones.
To register and receive the latest updates for this year’s Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, visit alz.org/PolkCountyWalk or contact Shree Chamberlain at [email protected] or 863.279.9350 for more information.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
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. 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. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its 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. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.