Walk to End Alzheimer’s

media release: The Alzheimer’s Association invites Dane County area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on October 6, 2024, at Warner Park, 2930 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison. The event opens at 8:30 a.m., with the Opening Ceremony starting at 10:00 a.m., immediately followed by the Walk at 10:15 a.m. The Walk is chaired by Patrick Rhode.

Walkers will be greeted by superheroes and 501 StarWarz characters. We also invite walkers to stick around after the walk is complete for hot dogs and chips available to walkers immediately following the Walk.

“We walk not only to honor those we’ve lost and those currently battling Alzheimer’s but also to build a hopeful future for the next generation. This event brings our community together, uniting us in a shared purpose. Every step we take brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s, and together, we can make a lasting impact,” said Patrick Rhode, Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Dane County Co-Chair.

As advancements in Alzheimer's treatments continue, participants are stepping forward to create a brighter future for families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. They walk to honor their loved ones battling the disease, those they have lost, and to support future generations. The event starts with the touching Promise Garden ceremony, where walkers carry a colored flower symbolizing their personal connection to the disease.

More than 7 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 Wisconsin, more than 110,000 people are living with the disease and serving as unpaid caregivers. In Dane County alone, more than 9,975 individuals age 65 and older are living with dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association is also excited to share that Jeff Levering, a sportscaster covering the Milwaukee Brewers, will be the Honorary Chair for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s supporting all 27 Wisconsin walks. Having Jeff Levering as our Honorary Chair brings a sense of unity and hope to our efforts, and his involvement inspires our community to come together in the fight against Alzheimer's.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: act.alz.org/madison. Pre-registration is encouraged. For questions or assistance, please contact Hanna Van, senior manager, Walk to Alzheimer’s at 608.203.8500.

Sponsors

The Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter thanks the numerous volunteers and sponsors of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, including National Presenting Sponsor Edward Jones, local media partner Fox47 TV, and statewide media partner LocaliQ.

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.

Alzheimer's Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead 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. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.