Alzheimer's Association Walk To End Alzheimer's® In Staten Island Helps Reclaim The Future For Millions

Participants Raise Critically Needed Funds for Alzheimer's Care, Support and Research

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Sep 26, 2016, 09:05 ET

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., Sept. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New York City chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is inviting Staten Island residents to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's^®. The Staten Island Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2016, beginning at 10 a.m. EDT at Clove Lakes Park.

Walk to End Alzheimer's is more than a walk. In addition to helping raise much needed funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research, it is an opportunity for hundreds of participants in Staten Island to learn about Alzheimer's disease and how to get involved with this cause, from advocacy opportunities and clinical trials enrollment to support programs and services. Walk participants also honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony at the start of the walk.

"The Alzheimer's Association New York City chapter is the leader in Alzheimer's care and support for people in the five boroughs living with the disease and their families," said Christopher Smith, Executive Director for the New York City chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. "Through Walk to End Alzheimer's in Staten Island and others we host each year throughout New York City, we join together to support and honor the families dealing with this devastating disease, while raising awareness and funds for critically needed Alzheimer's care and support, as well as research programs that can help bring us closer to a cure."

In addition to the 2.5-mile walk, participants will join in a special tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer's, called the Promise Garden. This tribute encourages participants to come together and make a commitment to fulfill their promise to remember, to honor, to care and to fight Alzheimer's disease. Before the ceremony, participants will receive a promise flower onto which they can write a personal message that will strengthen their dedication to fighting for a world without Alzheimer's. The promise flowers will be planted in a garden by volunteers while the walk participants are on the walk route. Participants can visit the garden following the walk to find their flower and keep it as a memento of the special ceremony.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing epidemic and 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 to as many as 16 million by 2050. In New York alone, there are 390,000 people living with Alzheimer's, and this number is expected to increase to 460,000 by 2025.

To start or join a team today, visit the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's at alz.org/walk. Help us reach our goal of raising $50,000 through the Staten Island Walk to End Alzheimer's. To learn more about Alzheimer's and available resources, visit alz.org or call the toll-free Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's^®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. 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.

Alzheimer's Association^®The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. The New York City chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is the leader in Alzheimer's care and support for people in the five boroughs living with the disease and their families. 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. To learn more, please visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900. For more information about local resources and events, please visit alz.org/nyc.

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SOURCE Alzheimer's Association