More than 1,100 area residents participated in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Moore County in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease. With a fundraising goal of $200,000, participants helped surpass that goal, raising more than $235,000 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association. This is a record for the Moore County walk.
Edward Jones – Region 355 is the current top fundraising team for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising $22,400. The other top fundraising teams currently include St. Joseph of the Pines ($16,680) and Pinehurst Resort Club ($11,799).
Even though it has surpassed its goal, the association is keeping up the momentum and continuing to raise critical funds and awareness by the end of the year. Walk day may have passed, but donations are still being accepted through Dec. 31 at act.alz.org/moorecounty.
“We are deeply grateful to all the dedicated Walk participants, volunteers and sponsors who made the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Moore County a tremendous success,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter, in a press release. “The funds raised will help continue to accelerate global research, drive risk reduction and early detection, and maximize quality care and support to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.”
On walk day, participants honored those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.
Presented by McKee Homes, the day included fun, all-ages entertainment, and family-friendly music. Miss North Carolina 2025 Sophia Kellstrom sang the national anthem. Tameka Bright, midday host on WCCG 104.5 FM in Fayetteville, emceed the event. Bright was a caregiver for her brother, who developed dementia as a result of a stroke. She lost her brother in February 2021.
More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, nearly 12 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 381,000 caregivers. Moore County has an Alzheimer’s prevalence rate of 12.1% in its age 65 and older population.
Want Moore news that matters? Please click here to sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel e-newsletter.
Contributed article/photo.
