San Angelo Walk to End Alzheimer’s Only 9 Days Away

SAN ANGELO, TX — The San Angelo Walk to End Alzheimer’s is fast approaching on September 12. Even though this year the walk will look very different, participation is vital for the Alzheimer's Association.

The yearly event is the single largest fundraising activity in the organization, with over 600 walks taking place nationwide and 38 of them in Texas.

“Alzheimer’s is not taking a hiatus during COVID-19 and neither are we,” said Julie Gray, San Angelo Walk manager with the West Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.  “We must continue Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and we are working with all participants to ensure they have a powerful and moving experience that is felt when we are together. Many of our constituents are at higher risk when it comes to COVID-19 and we know that our volunteers and participants appreciate our commitment to keeping all involved healthy and safe.”

Currently, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – making it the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, this year’s participants are encouraged to walk wherever they may as they raise funds that help battle this deadly disease.

“This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be everywhere,” said Wendy Vizek, vice president, constituent events at the Alzheimer’s Association. “The pandemic is changing how we walk, but it doesn’t change the need to walk.”

“This year, more than ever, we need to come together to support all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. With the dollars raised, the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to provide care and support to families during these difficult times while also advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention.”

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s mobile app will play a more central role to connect community members.

Participants can use the app and new “Walk Mainstage'' to:

• track their steps and distance
• follow a virtual Walk path
• manage their Facebook fundraisers
• access information and resources from the Association and Walk sponsors to help individuals and families affected by the disease. 

A new audio track will also be available to encourage participants along the way and to congratulate them upon completion of their Walk.

Even with the changes, time-honored components of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s are being replicated. 

On Walk day, an Opening Ceremony will feature local speakers and a presentation of Promise Flowers to honor the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. The ceremony will be available for viewing on participants' smartphones, tablets, and computers.