Moore County and surrounding area residents are invited to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 19. Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
The Alzheimer’s Association – Western North Carolina Chapter will be hosting Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Moore County at Sandhills Community College, located at 3395 Airport Road in Pinehurst. Check-in opens at 9 a.m.; opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and the walk immediately following.
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 this moving ceremony, walkers hold pinwheel flowers of various colors representing their personal connection to the disease.
More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States, said the Alzheimer’s Association in a press release. Additionally, nearly 13 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In North Carolina alone, there are more than 210,000 people living with the disease and 338,000 caregivers. Moore County has an Alzheimer’s prevalence rate of 12.1% in its age 65 and older population.
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts 17 walks across North Carolina, including: Alamance County, Asheville, Charlotte, Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln Counties, Fayetteville, Guilford County, Henderson County, Iredell Co. & Lake Norman, Jacksonville, Moore County, Mount Airy, New Bern, Rowan-Cabarrus Counties, Triangle (Raleigh and Durham), Unifour, Wilmington and Winston-Salem.
To register as a participant, team captain, or to learn about becoming a sponsor or volunteer of Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Moore County, visit act.alz.org/MooreCounty or call 800-272-3900.
Contributed article/photo.
