FOR A GOOD CAUSE Walkers during the 2019 event raised money to help end Alzheimer’s. Submitted photo
EUREKA – The community is invited to learn more about the Humboldt County Walk to End Alzheimer’s and how they can join in the movement to #ENDALZ by attending the drop-in Walk Kick-Off at the Adorni Center on Wednesday, June 29 between noon to 1 p.m. or from 5 to 6 p.m.
For those that haven’t registered, stop by and register your team. If you are already registered, this event is also for you. We’ll have something for everyone, from new Team Captains to seasoned Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s veterans. Pick up fundraising resources, learn how to update your participant page, how to create a Facebook Fundraiser, and how to download and use the Mobile Walk App to deposit donation checks.
Come together with others committed to ending this disease to learn more about the walk, the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association and how you can help advance the cause by becoming a Team Captain, joining a team, participating as an Individual, or by volunteering. RSVP at tinyurl.com/HumboldtWalkKickoff
The 7th annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Humboldt County will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Adorni Center. Participants will walk a one or three mile loop course and will learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies, and support programs and services from the Alzheimer’s Association. Walk participants will also join in a meaningful tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or register to walk as an individual at act.alz.org/humboldt or text ALZWALK to 51555. There is no registration fee and no limit on the numbers of team members.
According to Community Engagement Manager Kim Coelho, this event is held in over 600 communities nationwide to promote awareness about the disease and to raise funds. “Participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s helps to take away the stigma from this disease, it helps start the conversation,” said Coelho.
Families that are battling this disease need to know that they are not alone, that there is local support provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, Humboldt Senior Resource Center Alzheimer’s Resource Center, Redwood Caregiver Resource Center, Area 1 Agency on Aging, and Adult Day Health Care of Mad River.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides a free nationwide 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) that receives more than 310,000 calls annually and is staffed by specialists and master’s level clinicians who provide support, offer information and suggest referrals. According to Coelho, many of these calls come in around 2 a.m., when family members feel the most alone and discouraged. “They are so relived to find out that others are going through similar situations and that there is help available.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 3,673 people in Humboldt and Del Norte counties suffer from the fatal disease, a number projected to rise to more than 5,000 in the next decade. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for someone living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
If you would like more information, contact Coelho at (707) 832.4577 x1240 or email kcoelho@alz.org.