AUGUSTA — The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Capital Area residents to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®. Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Buker Community Center, according to a news release from the association. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s is more than a walk. It is an experience for nearly 400 participants in Augusta who will learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities and clinical studies enrollment to support programs and services. Walk participants also honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony.

“I walk because my mother, my inspiration, my best friend, lived her last 13 years with dementia,” said Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, Lee Bodmer, in the release. “I would visit her almost every day, take her out for her “walk and a ride” as she called it, we always stopped to get some “white ice-cream” as she didn’t eat solid food. For two years, this was my life. It gave me purpose, it gave me understanding, and it made me a better person.”

In addition to the 3-mile walk, participants will enjoy Maine’s funniest professional comedian, Johnny Ater and his son, award-winning singer/songwriter, Max Ater and a special tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s more than 5 million Americans to as many as 16 million by 2050, according to the release.

To start or join a team today, visit the Alzheimer’s Association alz.org/maine/walk. To learn more about disease and available resources, call the toll-free Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

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. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s — the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.

Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org® or call 800-272-3900.

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