CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — The Alzheimer’s Association invites residents of Southern Utah and nearby communities to unite this weekend in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. Lace up your walking shoes and become a champion in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease and all forms of dementia by participating in the 2022 St. George Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
“We want people to see how much community support there is,” said Lauren Willie, Southwest Utah regional manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter. “It’s no one’s favorite topic, but it’s an important one to talk about and for the community to rally behind.”
The fundraising walk will be held this Saturday at the Red Cliffs Mall, located at 1770 Red Cliffs Drive. All donations will be used to provide support services to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers in the local community.
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, lead as a team captain in fundraising or volunteer at the event.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides simple tools for participants to share the event and rally donations through email and social media. Even if you aren’t able to join in person, you can join the fight by donating and raising awareness wherever you are.
Festivities begin at 9 a.m., and the walk will start immediately following the Promise Garden ceremony, led by gold sponsor Ovation Sienna Hills, at 10 a.m. Along with signs 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, sponsored by TDS, and may choose the color that best represents their link 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.
Nationwide, Alzheimer’s affects more than 5 million people age 65 and older. Chances are that nearly everyone knows someone living with Alzheimer’s or who has lost a loved one to the disease.
The number of residents over age 65 in southwest Utah is expected to increase by 10% during the next five years, according to data from the Five County Area Agency on Aging. Age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s and dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter works closely with elected officials, community partners and local organizations to advocate for and lend a voice to the aging population, helping the community be more prepared to assist those living with all forms of dementia.
Held in more than 600 cities and towns every year, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the largest national event organized to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It has been a tradition in St. George for over 20 years. Last year, the walk drew 133 participants and raised more than $15,000.
“The funds that we raise support the programs, including community education and caregiver support groups, that we provide locally,” Willie said. “We have amazing support here in Washington County.”
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.
To register for the St. George walk or make a donation, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website or text “2ENDALZ” to 51555.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Event details
- What: St. George Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 15 at 9 a.m.
- Where: Red Cliffs Mall, 1770 Red Cliffs Drive, St. George.
- Tickets: Free.
- Resources: Website.
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