CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting residents of Iron County and surrounding areas to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the 2022 Cedar City Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
The fundraising walk will be held Sept. 10 at Cedar City Motors, located at 1010 N. Main St. All donations will be used to provide support services to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers in the local community.
“It’s been really amazing to see the growth in what we’ve been able to do for our community,” said Lauren Willie, Southwest Utah regional manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter. “Great things are happening, and it’s because of the awareness we raise at walks.”
The walk is open to all ages and welcomes strollers, wheelchairs and pets on a leash. There’s no fee to register, but every participant is asked to make a personal donation and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Participants may register for the walk as individuals, join an established team or volunteer to be a team captain and fundraising leader.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides easy tools for walkers to share the event and rally donations through email and social media. Donations are also welcomed from those who can’t attend.
“We’re looking forward to it because of what this means for our community,” Willie said.
Festivities begin at 9 a.m., and the walk will start immediately following the Promise Garden ceremony at 10 a.m. Along with banners offering Alzheimer’s facts and resources, the Promise Garden is dotted with hundreds of colorful nylon flowers, each signifying a personal connection to the disease.
All registered participants will receive a flower from the Promise Garden to carry during the walk. Each person may choose the color that best represents their connection to Alzheimer’s. Blue represents someone living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, while purple is for those who have lost a loved one to the disease. Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s, and orange is for anyone who supports the cause.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, held in more than 600 communities nationwide, is the largest event organized to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter sponsors two walks in Southern Utah every fall. This year’s St. George walk will be held Oct. 15.
In 2021, the Cedar City walk drew 87 participants and raised over $11,000. The St. George walk drew 133 participants and raised more than $15,000.
“There were tears of joy, tears of sadness and hugs between strangers,” Willie said. “People need an outlet. Connecting with someone who knows what they’re going through makes all the difference.”
The Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter is the premier source of information and support for more than 34,000 Utahns living with Alzheimer’s as well as their families and caregivers. The Southern Utah office provides online educational programs and virtual caregiver support groups at no cost to the community. Caregivers and relatives are encouraged to reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 for expert answers and resources.
Alzheimer’s affects more than 5 million Americans over age 65. Chances are that nearly everyone knows someone living with Alzheimer’s or who has lost a loved one to the disease. Lace up your walking shoes and become a champion in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia.
To register for the Cedar City walk or make a donation, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Event details
- What: Cedar City Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 10 at 9 a.m.
- Where: Cedar City Motors, 1010 N. Main St., Cedar City.
- Tickets: Free.
- Resources: Website.
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