MONTGOMERY – More than 450 people turned out for the Orange/Sullivan Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery on Saturday, Oct. 5.
The event kicked off with an opening ceremony in which participants raised flowers, of various colors representing their relationships to the disease. Yellow flowers represent those caring for someone with dementia, while orange are for are those who support the cause of ending Alzheimer’s. Those who have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia carry blue flowers, and those holding purple ones have lost a loved one to the disease. A single white flower represents the first survivor of Alzheimer’s.
Following the opening ceremony, walkers began their approximately two-mile trek around the park. Upon completing the route, they were welcomed back and treated to chili and cornbread donated by Promenade at Middletown.
So far, the 2019 Orange/Sullivan walk has raised nearly 65 percent of its goal of more than $127,000. Fundraising will continue through Dec. 31. If you haven’t yet donated and would like to do so, visit OrangeSullivanWalk.org.
“It was a beautiful day. Walk day allows staff, exhibitors and those affected by Alzheimer’s a day to come together,” said Walk Manager Sue Bunce.“As the largest fundraiser of the year, it celebrates everyone’s year-round efforts to fundraise to support programs and services in our community. To increase our reach, we are looking for individuals to lend their talents, connections and time to our year-round planning committee.”
The Hudson Valley Chapter’s next walk will be at the Walkway Over the Hudson starting on the Highland side on Saturday, Oct. 19. It will be followed by the final Hudson Valley walk of the season, at Boulder Stadium in Pomona on Sunday, Oct. 20. To register or donate to either of these walks, visit HudsonValleyWalks.org.
About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. Participants learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical-study enrollment and support programs and services.
About the Hudson Valley Chapter
The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. To learn more about programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.
About Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
If you go
What:Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s
When: Saturday, Oct. 19. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Opening ceremony is at 10 a.m. followed by the walk.
Where: Walkway Over the Hudson, starting on the Highland side
Register:WalkwayWalk.org
What: Rockland Walk to End Alzheimer’s
When: Sunday, Oct. 20. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Opening ceremony is at 10 a.m. followed by the walk.
Where: Boulder Stadium, Pomona
Register: RocklandWalk.org
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