Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s Offers Hope to Colorado Families
Colorado Springs and East Denver LIVING WELL Magazines
Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association has mobilized millions of Americans with its annual Walk. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness for the disease and funds programs and services throughout Colorado offered at no charge to families. In addition the event funds research to find better treatments and eventually a cure. This year the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Denver will start and end in Denver City Park on Saturday, September 15, 2012.
This year there will be a Promise Garden of flowers carried by participants during the walk. Each color represents a different promise: Blue promises to honor someone with the disease, Purple promises to remember someone who has died, Yellow-is for those who promise to provide care and Orange is for those who promise to fight for the cause. These flowers will be available at no cost to individuals, Team Captains and team members who register. Team captains are dedicated volunteers who are organizing teams for fundraising. Team Captains often host creative fundraising activities like neighborhood parties where everyone is asked to make a donation. Other activities might include donating to a couple getting married instead of bringing gifts, bake sales, and car washes. Even a percentage of the proceeds from home sales of jewelry, clothing and kitchen items are fun ways to raise money and awareness for the Walk.
Unlike many non-profit fundraising walks, this Walk doesn’t require a registration fee in exchange for a tee shirt. This is a pledge event at which every person who walks is asked to make a personal contribution and ask family, friends and co-workers to support them with a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Once participants reach $100 in pledges they receive a shirt. Other incentive prizes are offered as fund raising levels increase.
“While we know we cannot change the course of Alzheimer’s for the estimated 5.4 million Americans living with this disease, with increasing investments in Alzheimer’s research, we will change the course of Alzheimer’s disease for those who will be impacted tomorrow,” stated Linda Mitchell president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. “Our generous participants also recognize the importance of fundraising to support our services provided at no cost to those living with the disease and the friends and family providing their care. We could not do what we do without the hard work of our Team Captains to raise these critical funds.”
“It’s going to be a very special day,” continued Mitchell. ”In addition to the refreshments and live entertainment, we will have researchers on hand to answer questions about the progress we are making in new diagnostic tools and treatment alternatives. We also hear from our participants that the walk offers a unique opportunity to feel a sense of community and support on the long road of Alzheimer’s disease. The fundraising efforts truly provide hope for a future without this devastating disease.”
Sign up can occur individually or as a team for any of the ten walks throughout Colorado. Go to alz.org/co to set up a personal WALK page including personal stories and photographs.
Prospective teams and walkers can visit coloradoalzwalk.org to sign up for the nearest Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
For more information and to register, visit alz.org/co, email walktoend@alzco.org, or call the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter at 800.272.3900.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter is the premier source of information and support for the more than 72,000 Coloradoans with Alzheimer’s disease, their families and caregivers. Through its statewide network of offices, the Alzheimer’s Association offers education, counseling, support groups and a 24-hour Helpline at no cost to families. In addition, contributions help fund advancements in research to prevent, treat and eventually conquer this disease. The Alzheimer’s Association advocates for those living with Alzheimer’s and their families on related legislative issues, and with health and long-term care providers. For information call the Alzheimer’s Association 24 Hour bilingual Helpline at 800-272-3900, or visit www.alz.org/co.
