Walk to End Alzheimer’s

press release: The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Dane County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on October 2, 2022 at Vel Phillips Memorial High School, 201 S. Gammon Rd., Madison. The event opens at 8:30 a.m. with the Opening Ceremony at 10:00 a.m., immediately followed by the Walk at 10:15 a.m. 

We are also excited to share that Matt Lepay, and Paul Braun, two of the most recognized voices in Wisconsin sports, are returning as Honorary Co-Chairs of the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in 27 communities across Wisconsin. These acclaimed broadcasters each have had family members impacted by Alzheimer’s and are leading the “Sportscasters Against Alzheimer’s” team. Lepay is the current voice of Wisconsin Badgers sports doing play-by-play for Badgers’ football and basketball and Braun is the former voice of Badger’s men’s hockey. 

“We’re so excited to be joining together this year as a Walk community,” said Matt Lepay, voice of Wisconsin Badgers sports. “The need is stronger than ever 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 on this difficult journey, while also advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention.” Lepay will be a special guest at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Dane County.

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease. 

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 Wisconsin, there are more than 120,000 people living with the disease and 198,000 serving as caregivers.  In Dane County alone, more than 8,000 individuals age 65 and older are living with dementia.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: act.alz.org/Madison.  There is no registration fee for Walk. However, we ask every participant to make a personal donation and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer's.

The Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter thanks the numerous volunteers and sponsors of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, including National Presenting Sponsors - Edward Jones and CVS Health, and statewide sponsors – CarePatrol, MyChoice Wisconsin, Park Vista Senior Housing Management & the Greywolf Foundation, TDS Fiber, Azura and Heritage Senior Living and media partner LOCALiQ, and local sponsors Krupp General Contractors, Cress Funeral and Cremation Services. 

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 has 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 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.