Merced’s Walk Against Alzheimer’s raises $23,447
The color purple was prevalent on T-shirts and banners last Saturday in Applegate Park, as more than 300 people turned out for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Organizers raised $23,447 from the event, with donations still coming in. Funds go toward research and outreach to fight the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss and changes in thinking and other brain functions. It often develops gradually, getting worse as brain function declines and brain cells die. The disease is fatal and there’s no cure, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Prior to the roughly mile-long walk on Oct. 18, participants chose colorful pinwheels shaped like flowers and wrote special messages to loved ones who’ve been affected by the disease.
Participants planted their pinwheels in the ground, creating a tribute garden to those affected by Alzheimer’s.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, the disease is the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, and it is the largest event to raise awareness and money to help combat the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates 1 in 9 seniors has the disease and half of those people don’t know they have it. More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease. The association estimates that number will increase to 16 million people by 2050.
Organizers said there’s still time to donate funds. To submit a donation, go to http://tinyurl.com/kmt9zdb and click “Donate.” Checks can be made out to the Alzheimer’s Association and sent to GSF Properties, 1160 Olivewood Drive, Merced, CA 95348.
This story was originally published October 24, 2014 at 5:17 PM with the headline "Merced’s Walk Against Alzheimer’s raises $23,447."