PINEHURST – The Alzheimer’s Association invites residents of Richmond County and nearby areas to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Presented by McKee Homes, the Alzheimer’s Association – Western 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. with the Walk immediately following.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter. “We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”
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.
“I am honored and proud to lead this year’s Walk and support the Alzheimer’s Association in its mission and efforts to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research,” said William “Bill” Taylor, executive leadership chair of Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Moore County and chief operating officer for Veterans Guardian. “We look forward to bringing our community together for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease. We are closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, we need as many people involved as possible.”
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.
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.
Many local companies have joined McKee Homes and Veterans Guardian in pledging their support and participation this year. To register as a participant, team captain, or 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.
About the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter:
The Western Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy in 49 central and western North Carolina counties. It offers opportunities to get involved and to make a difference, in addition to a variety of services including: a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, educational programs, and care consultations. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease or the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter, visit alz.org/northcarolina or call (800) 272-3900.