It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and has no known cure. And unfortunately, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is growing as our population ages. The Alzheimer’s Association says 5.2 million people are living with Alzheimer’s in the United States today, and it estimates that number will triple by 2050.
In part of its effort to create “a world without Alzheimer’s,” the association hosts an annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in cities across the country to raise research funds and awareness. Donations also help sustain the nonprofit association’s efforts to support people with Alzheimer’s and their families.
“Pittsburgh is one of 600 communities across the nation that will host walks,” says Melissa Roberts, a spokeswoman for the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “We had over 3,000 participants last year, and really hope to top 4,000 this year.”
Planting promise
On Oct. 11, participants in the Pittsburgh walk will start at Gate A of Heinz Field on the North Shore, uniting for their common cause as they traverse the shoreline of the Allegheny River. Before they get started, walkers will honor their reason for being there in the Promise Garden Ceremony. “Each participant receives a flower with the color designating how Alzheimer’s has affected them or their family,” Roberts says.
Blue flowers are given to someone currently living with Alzheimer’s or dementia; yellow flowers are given to caregivers; purple flowers are given to those who have lost someone to the disease; and orange flowers are given to those who are simply supporting a world without Alzheimer’s. The ceremony also includes four brief stories offered by a speaker in each of these categories, and then everyone holds up their flowers in a symbol of unity. “It is really a beautiful picture,” Roberts says. “Then anyone who wants to give up their flower can have it placed in our temporary Promise Garden on the Great Lawn by the stadium.”
A team effort
Many walkers participate in teams, which often form to honor a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s, or has succumbed to the disease. Roberts says the teams can be as small as just two people, or the size of last year’s largest team, which was more than 75 people. New this year, teams will have some friendly competition in a T-shirt contest. “We noticed many of our teams had these great T-shirts that they had designed, so we thought this would be a fun component to add,” Roberts says.
Walk participants select either the one-mile or three-mile course, and those who raise $100 or more will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Live entertainment and activities will follow the walk. “We want to also raise awareness about the disease and to help those facing the disease and their families,” Roberts says.
One brain, one reason
The walks are the largest fundraisers for the association. In 2013, nearly $300,000 was raised by the Pittsburgh walk. “We hope to grow that to over $400,000 if we have over 4,000 participants this year,” Roberts says.
The association focuses on direct actions toward advocacy for Alzheimer’s research and health care. “We ask for support of the National Alzheimer’s Plan Act, and ask our participants to sign the online petition. We are also looking for people willing to participate in research studies,” she says.
The association also offers resources and assistance for families facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Roberts says, including a free care consultant meeting. “Start by calling our 24/7 helpline. People can call for anything—help in getting more information, or when it is 2 a.m. and you are stressed out from taking care of your mother,” she says.
With the tagline, “Everyone has a reason to walk,” Roberts says the walks really are for everyone. “We always say, all you have to have to be at risk for Alzheimer’s is a brain. And that of course, includes every single one of us,” she says.
