Walk to End Alzheimer's tomorrow in Pasco

The Alzheimer’s Association ® is inviting Pasco County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Walk will take place tomorrow, Saturday, October 26 at Starkey Ranch District Park in Odessa starting at 8 a.m.

On Walk day, participants will honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease with Promise Flowers during the poignant Promise Garden Ceremony – a moving display of hope to represent the personal reasons participants come together to fight Alzheimer’s.

“Alzheimer’s disease changes lives. Even though the disease is gradual, no one is ever ready for the impact the disease has on family relationships and responsibilities,” says Rick Glass, who is participating in this year’s Walk as a member of Team Visiting Angels - Pasco's Caring Angels.

“Coming from a family of 5 brothers, we each had a special bond with our mom. Our mom was the one who always made sure we remembered and celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and all the other important memories that bind a family together. In 2011, I had the opportunity to personally invest in and start a Visiting Angels here locally in Pasco County, as an honor to my Mom who was just beginning her journey with Alzheimer's. I fully understand the horrible progressive effects of this disease from both my personal experience with my mom and the hundreds of Alzheimer's patients that we have helped preserve their dignity over the last eight years. My Family and my Team are passionate about working to raise awareness for this disease through education, support groups, financial commitments personally and through Visiting Angels. My mom, our clients and our children's future are why I participate in the Walk.”

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, 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.

“We encourage locals to participate in Walk, as the fundraising dollars fuel the Association’s mission and having participation in the event helps to change the level of Alzheimer’s awareness in the Pasco County community,” says Michelle Olson, Pasco County Walk Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association. “While there is no fee to register, the Alzheimer’s Association encourage participants to fundraise in order to contribute to the cause and raise awareness. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease!”

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Florida alone, there are more than 560,000 people living with the disease.

Participants can join a team or register to walk as an individual at alz.org/walk.