Herb Suss of Wellington was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s more than 10 years ago. Now he is planning to join hundreds of others impacted by the progressive brain disease to share in the hope to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Join Suss and other residents on Saturday, Oct. 26 for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Palm Beach at Dreher Park (5701 Dreher Trail South, West Palm Beach). Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 9 a.m. The walk will immediately follow. The short route is 1.2 miles, and the long route is 2.4 miles.
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Palm Beach County was ranked in the top 10 counties in the U.S. for the number of people living with Alzheimer’s.
New treatments to help slow down the progression of the disease have been approved as recently as July and are giving more families hope.
Over the last eight years, Suss has taken the treatment Leqembi to slow the progression of the disease. The drug was approved by the FDA in 2023 and is covered by Medicare and Medicaid. The rapid pace of advancements and treatments has given him hope.
“I want people to know that if they get it, that there’s a life they can still live like I did with getting the proper care, the proper medicine and guidance,” Suss said.
On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.
The event is locally sponsored by Lisbet Assisted Living and Memory Care at Wellington Bay, Author Health and AvMed. Edward Jones is the national presenting sponsor.
To register and receive the latest updates, visit www.alz.org/palmbeachwalk or contact David Chaves Lopez at dclopez@alz.org or (561) 453-0858 for more info.
