Hundreds of West Palm Beach residents helped lead the way to the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease by participating in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants walked as individuals and small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails across the area, raising more than $111,000 to benefit the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Although the format of the event was different from years past, traditional components of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s were upheld, including an Opening Ceremony — emceed by Hollani Davis, Andy Delancey and Michael Trim of WPTV — as well as a drive-through Promise Garden planted at Palm Beach Gardens High School to honor the personal reasons participants walk.
“We couldn’t be more grateful for the wonderful participants that continue to support the association and everything we do,” said Toni Abraham, director of the West Palm Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “Their tireless fundraising efforts, especially in such a challenging time, have been inspiring and heartwarming. I want to personally thank everyone who has donated, volunteered and continues to fight alongside us to one day see a world without Alzheimer’s.”
While fundraising continues through Dec. 31, currently, the team at Valencia Reserve leads local fundraising efforts with more than $44,000 raised.
“Alzheimer’s runs rampant in my family,” said Valencia Reserve team member Laura Sandler. “I’ve lost several family members to it. Today, we are working to extend the [lives] and quality of life of those who have been diagnosed with the disease.”
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in both the United States and Florida, affecting more than 5 million Americans and their loved ones. In Florida alone, there are more than 580,000 people battling the disease and an additional 1.1 million family members and friends providing them with daily, unpaid care.
For West Palm Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s Co-Chair Ilean Zamlut, the event offered an opportunity to give back to her loving mother, who has been living with Alzheimer’s for eight years now.
“Mom has done so much for me and for others,” she said. “How [could] I not participate in this walk for her? She would do it for me, if she could.”
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. To donate and join the fight for a cure, visit www.alz.org/walk.
