Kennebec Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s set for Oct. 15 in Waterville

The Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter invites residents from Waterville and surrounding communities to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Kennebec Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Head of Falls and Riverwalk in Waterville.

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. On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease, according to a news release from Christina Lob, senior media relations manager with the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We encourage people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to help us take the first step toward a world without Alzheimer’s by joining us for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Drew Wyman, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter. “This event helps us continue to provide resources and programs for Maine families affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and fund important research to end this devastating disease.”

The walk takes place in seven locations across Maine during September and October. In 2021, nearly 200 participants joined the Kennebec Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s while raising nearly $80,000 towards research and care and support programs for people living with Alzheimer’s, their families and caregivers. This year, the Walk aims to raise $80,000.

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease — a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Maine alone, there are more than 29,000 people living with the disease and 46,000 caregivers.

Participants can choose to start a team, join a team, or walk as an individual during the annual fundraiser. To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/maine/walk.