This year, Walk to End Alzheimer's is everywhere!

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's, the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research, is moving forward in 2020. This year, Walk to End Alzheimer's is everywhere – including Northern Virginia on Sunday, September 27!

Valerie Kaiser, Co-Founder and Partner of EldenStreet Financial, serves as the chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Northern Virginia. "I walk for the generations touched by this disease," says Kaiser. "For the daughters, sons, sisters and brothers who love. For the grandchildren who lose a wise guiding soul. For the friends who understood and shared. For the caregivers who comfort and keep our loved ones safe with dignity."

With the health and safety of Walk participants and volunteers as a top priority in the wake of COVID-19, the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter will not host a large gathering on Walk day, as in years past. Instead, the Chapter encourages participants to walk that day as individuals or in small groups in their neighborhoods and on sidewalks, tracks and trails throughout the County (following CDC and local health department guidelines).

To ensure that participants have the full Day of Walk experience, the Walk will have virtual Walk Mainstage, an interactive online experience featuring an Opening Ceremony with local speakers and a presentation of Promise Garden Flowers to honor the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

The Walk to End Alzheimer's mobile app allows participants to access the Walk Mainstage, track their steps and distance, follow a virtual Walk path, manage their Facebook fundraisers, and access information and resources from the Association and Walk sponsors to help individuals and families affected by the disease. A new audio track is available to encourage participants along the way and to congratulate them upon completion of their Walk.

"The pandemic is changing how we walk, but it doesn't change the need to walk," said Wendy Vizek, vice president, constituent events at the Alzheimer's Association. "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."

Sign up today for the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Northern Virginia on Sunday, September 27. Participation is free. Walkers are encouraged to raise funds. For more information, contact Sonya Amartey at 703-766-9025 or samartey@alz.org. Unable to join us on September 27? Find a Walk near you at alz.org/walk.