More than 325 residents from South Central Iowa joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s® and united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions Saturday, September 12th at the Ottumwa Park.
Participants raised more than $34,000 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.
“This year’s Walk was a wonderful experience. Individuals from all over the area joined together to fight this disease in honor and memory of those who are impacted by it. Teams and walkers came from multiple counties and topped the overall fundraising record this year”, said Michelle Kelman, Senior Program and Event Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association. “The Walk was an outpouring of community support for individuals and families who are battling Alzheimer’s and dementia in South Central Iowa” Kelman said. All funds provide education, support and research for treatments and a hopeful cure.
Walk team Kermit’s Krew, led by Tara Jenkins of Ottumwa, was the top fundraising team at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising more than
$6,100. This was the first year for the team, whose members who held several successful fundraisers in the area in memory of Kermit a beloved grandfather, spouse and friend. At a close second place, was team Krazy Connie’s Landing, led by Connie Brown of Plano, who raised over $6,000 with a golf tournament and game nights in honor of a family friend whose mother has lost the battle to Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants did more than complete the 2.2 mile walk.
They learned about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities, clinical studies and support programs and services. The event also included an emotional tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s more than 5 million Americans to as many as 16 million by 2050. In Iowa alone, there are over 63,000 people living with Alzheimer’s, not including other types of dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association would like to sincerely thank the residents and businesses of Ottumwa and South Central Iowa who participated, donated,
fundraised and volunteered for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s event. Next year’s event will take place on September 10, 2016. For more information on Alzheimer’s, the Walk or to make a donation to help further the cause, visit alz.org/greateriowa.
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 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 – the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.
Visit alz.org® or call 800.272.3900.
