Pictured are participants from last year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Dunkirk.

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Chautauqua County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Southern Tier Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Point Gratiot Park in Dunkirk. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. and the Walk commencing at 10:15 a.m.

Shannon Rozner is a Chautauqua resident and chair of this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Chautauqua County. She has seen first-hand the effect Alzheimer’s and dementia has had on her friends and family.

“Within weeks of a friend’s retirement, his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and every plan, every dream had to change,” she says. “My beautiful mother-in-law, Judy, progressed to the point where she stopped eating in the later days of her life. Alzheimer’s and other dementias have taken too many lives and stolen too many dreams, and I won’t stop until we have cure.”

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” says Kaitlyn Less, director of development for the Western New York Chapter. “We hope that everyone in the community can join us to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally end this disease.”

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York State, there are more than 426,5000 people living with the disease and 543,000 caregivers.

The funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s ensure the programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association are free to all who need them, in addition to funding the research and advocacy efforts which have resulted in new treatments for people living in the early stage.

Anyone interested in participating in this year’s Walk can visit act.alz.org/Chautauqua to register and learn more.

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. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.