Alzheimer’s Association East Central Iowa Chapter’s Memory Walk® Raises Awareness and Funds
Walk Raises $235,000 to Fight Against Alzheimer’s Disease
More than 1,500 Eastern Iowans were on the MOVE to end Alzheimer’s disease on September 20th at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk® in Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Waterloo and West Union, raising a record breaking $235,000. The Memory Walk® site at Wickham Elementary School in Coralville alone played host to more than 200 walkers that raised $35,000. Money raised by local Alzheimer’s Champions of the cause will fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
“The Alzheimer’s Association is very encouraged by the number of walkers who turned out to join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at this year’s Memory Walk®,” said Kelly Hauer, Executive Director East Central Iowa Chapter. “Alzheimer’s disease has touched the lives of many families in this community. With funds raised at this year’s walk, the Alzheimer’s Association will provide much needed care and support to people touched by the disease as well as research to fight Alzheimer’s disease.”
The Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk® is nationally presented by Genworth Financial and Statewide Presenting Sponsor is Care Initiatives. Other local sponsors include: KWWL, Z102.9, FOX 100.7, Cool 105.7, KXIC, Abode Construction, Amenity Hospice, Cottage Grove Place, Bridges Senior Lifestyle Living, University of Iowa Health Care, UI Neurosciences, The Villages, Bickford Cottage, Bradley & Riley, P.C., Friendship Village/Landmark Commons, Gay & Ciha Funeral & Cremation Service, Hiawatha Care Center/Promise House, MeadowView Memory Care Village, Summit Pointe, Western Home Communities, and Windmill Manor.
There are as many as five million people currently living with the disease in America. In Iowa alone, there are 67,000. With 78 million baby boomers turning 60 last year, it is estimated that someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease every 71 seconds, by mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds.
About the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®:
Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk® is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research programs. Held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls volunteers of all ages to become champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
About the Alzheimer's Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information visit www.alz.org.
