Orange/Sullivan Walk to End Alzheimer's moving to new venue

MONTGOMERY — For many years, the Orange/Sullivan Walk to End Alzheimer’s was held at Thomas Bull Memorial Park, but this year marks the start at a new location. The Walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Benedict Farm Park.

“There are 102 acres of wildlife preserve. It’s beautiful there,” said Kellee Thelman, Manager of the Orange/Sullivan Walk for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. “We haven’t mapped out the route yet, but I’m excited for it.”

She said that given the park’s size, she doesn’t expect the location to change again anytime soon.

“Right now, our goal is to have 400 people there, and [the venue] can hold 2,000 people, so I don’t see us outgrowing it. I would expect that we’re going to be here for the foreseeable future.”

She also said the organization is working to get the community fired up about the new venue.

“We are working with the town supervisor, Brian Maher, and he’s really interested in getting the local community — the Town of Montgomery — involved.”

Thelman said an increase in deaths of those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic only reinforces the urgent need for a cure.

“Sixteen percent more people have died due to Alzheimer’s and dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic than before,” Thelman said. “We really do need a cure, and hopefully people will step up — no pun intended — and participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.”

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is held nationwide at more than 600 locations to raise awareness and funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s programs and services, which provide general education for the public and support for families living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The money raised also supports research into treatments and hopefully someday a cure.

Thelman noted that while people walked in small groups on their own for the Walk last year, that this year’s walk will be in person.

“Last year, we were virtual, and this year, depending on everyone’s comfort, we will be in person but still have a virtual aspect.”

Kellee said last year’s walk was still successful despite its different format.

“We raised about 70 percent of our fundraising goal, but I think considering everything that was going on, those true people who are really dedicated to the cause really came out and showed their support, which was great.”

“Last year was technically my first walk, and this year will be my first in-person walk,” Thelman said. “We want to do a little better than we did last year and get back to a “normal” year. Our fundraising goal is $85,000 this year.”

Since the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is returning to an in-person format, Thelman said the Alzheimer’s Association is taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of all participants.

“Safety is our main priority for all of our walkers. A lot of them are caregivers, so we would never want them to come to walk, feel unsafe, and bring something home to their loved ones,” she said.

To register for the Orange/Sullivan Walk, visit OrangeSullivanWalk.org.

About the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org