The Alzheimer's Association of Greater Wisconsin hopes to raise $480,000 when 33 communities participate in Memory Walk 2006. To achieve this goal, the planning committee for the Superior Memory Walk has set a goal of $6,000 for the walk on Sept. 9.
"We are hoping for a large turnout in walkers at each of our Memory Walks in northern Wisconsin," Jayne Petrich, Outreach Specialist for the Superior area, said. "The money raised will stay in the community to allow us to continue to provide a broad range of programs and services for people with the disease, their families, care partners, residential care professionals and professional health care providers here in our local community. The local planning committees have worked hard to make this a wonderful community event."
Money raised provides programs and services to individuals, families and caregivers coping with the daily challenges of Alzheimer's disease. Programs, many of which are free-of-charge, include a toll-free 24-hour helpline, support groups, caregiver and community education, advocacy and outreach efforts.
"The Memory Walk is very much a team event," said Petrich. "Our teams range from multigenerational families to co-workers. It's a wonderful way for families and friends to show their support for the 116,000 Wisconsin residents with Alzheimer's and their caregivers."
The Douglas County Memory Walk is a free event. Adults raising $50 or more will receive a Memory Walk 2006 T-shirt. Youth shirts are awarded to those under 17 who raise $25 or more. Memory Walk includes food, beverages and many prizes. The entire community is welcomed.
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To learn more about Memory Walk and to register, contact the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Wisconsin at (800) 272-3900 or go online at www.alzgw.org and click on the Memory Walk tab.
The Alzheimer's Associations Memory Walk is the largest national fundraising event to support programs for Alzheimer's disease and is held in 680 communities nationwide, raising about $200 million for programs and services.
Nationwide, about 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, with more than 116,000 people in Wisconsin. Nearly 1,200 people in Douglas County have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
That number is expected to top 1,800 by 2025 unless a cure is found.
The Superior Memory Walk begins at the Old Firehouse and Police Museum in Superior. Walker registration begins at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m.
