More than 7,000 South Florida residents from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Treasure Coast joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walks to End Alzheimer’s and united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. Participants raised more than $580,000.00 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.
“I was inspired by all of South Florida uniting in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at our Walks to End Alzheimer’s,” said Enrique Pineiro, Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Board Chair and Miami-Dade Walk Chair. “With funds raised, the Alzheimer’s Association will be able to provide much needed care and support to people affected by the disease as well as fund critically needed Alzheimer’s research.”
Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants did more than complete a 5K. They learned more about Alzheimer’s disease and the Association’s critical role in the fight against it, including the latest about Alzheimer’s research and current clinical trials, how they can become involved in advocacy efforts at home and in Washington, DC and the Association’s support programs and services. The events also included an emotional tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s. All four walks took place in October/November.
Following is the breakdown on the amount raised in each of the walks:
- Miami-Dade Walk had 3,000 participants and raised approximately $ 150,000.00.
- Treasure Coast Walk had 700 participants and raised approximately $70,000.00.
- Broward Walk had 1,700 participants and raised approximately $200,000.00.
- Palm Beach Walk had 1,600 participants and raised approximately $160,000.00.
Local celebrities, Jason Martinez and Constance Jones from WPLG, Jon Shainman and Kait Parker from WPTV, Ellen Jaffe from Lite FM, Tim “Tiny” Burger from WIRK, and Jennifer Ross from WRMF all showed their support by emceeing this signature event.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. In Florida alone, there are 450,000 people living with Alzheimer’s. For more information or to make a donation visit alz.org/walk.
About the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s:
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s – the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
About the Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s 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. *Photos are available upon request.
