The 4th annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Long Beach will take place Saturday, Oct. 18 at Rainbow Lagoon Park along Shoreline Drive. More than 1,000 residents from throughout the South Bay are expected to participate in the event to raise awareness and funds to fight the disease.
In addition to a 5K route, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s includes entertainment, food, awards and a family festival. Walkers who raise $100 receive a commemorative T-shirt, and there are prizes for top fund-raising teams and individuals. Onsite registration will open at 7am, opening ceremonies will begin at 8:30am, and the walk will begin at 9am.
To start a team, donate, or volunteer, contact the Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter at alz.org/socal or call (800) 272-3900.
The 3rd annual event in October 2013 broke the goal, raising more than $157,000 for Alzheimer’s disease care, support and research, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. AJ’s Army, led by Rick Burgeno of Rolling Hills Estates, was the top “friends & family” team for the second year, raising more than $6,700 for the cause. Marilyn Rafkin of Torrance was the top individual fundraiser with $3,590 raised. The Avengers from HCP, Inc. in Long Beach took honors as the top corporate team, raising more than $9,600, and the honors for the “most spirited” teams went to The Avengers and Tater’s Collaborators. The “Most Fashionable” teams were Team Mami Chuy and Grandma’s Blessing.
“We are overwhelmed by the passion for the cause demonstrated by those in the South Bay,” said Susan Galeas, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter. “Their commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s disease through the Walk is heartwarming and reinforces the growing need that exists in our communities. Alzheimer’s is growing at an alarming rate and affects not only those diagnosed, but countless numbers of spouses, children, family members and friends. We look forward to our Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Rainbow Lagoon Park on October 18 and encourage everyone to get involved, lead a team, join a team, or volunteer.”
Funds raised at the Walk provide needed care and support for people touched by the disease throughout Los Angeles County, enable efforts to educate the public about Alzheimer’s as a growing public health threat, and fund research to fight Alzheimer’s disease. In California, more than half a million people have Alzheimer’s disease. Experts estimate that someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s disease every 67 seconds. By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. The Walks have raised more than $546 million since they began in 1989, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Major sponsors of the Long Beach Walk include Ralphs, Belmont Village and SCAN Health Plan
For more information about the California Southland Chapter, visit alz.org/socal or call (800) 272-3900.
