Walk to End Alzheimer’s returns in-person for 2021

Posted

The Alzheimer’s Association invites residents to participate in the North Olympic Peninsula Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 

The event, which was held virtually last year, will take place Saturday, Sept. 18 at Pope Marine Park. 

The walk is the world’s largest event to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. 

Organizers expect more than 150 people to participate in the local event, hoping to raise $19,000. 

This is the first year the event has been held in Port Townsend. It was previously held in Port Angeles or Sequim.

Proceeds from the walk fund Alzheimer’s and dementia research, as well as support services for local families impacted by the disease. 

“We are very excited to be hosting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in-person this year,” said Jim Wilgus, executive director for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Washington state chapter. 

“It’s always so inspiring to see people come together as a community, to honor their loved ones and support one another.” he added.

Festivities begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. Participants can meet with sponsors and exhibitors, learn about local resources, and grab a snack before the event starts. They can also pick up and personalize their promise garden flower prior to the opening ceremony, which starts at 11 a.m.

During the opening ceremony, participants are asked to raise their promise garden flowers in the air and make a promise to remember, honor, care, and fight for all those impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

The color of a person’s flower represents their connection to the disease: blue for those living with dementia, yellow for caregivers, purple for those who have lost a loved one, and orange for people who are there in support of all those affected. 

“The promise garden is a well-loved feature of every Walk to End Alzheimer’s event,” Wilgus said. “It’s very powerful to see all of those colorful flowers, each held by someone who’s committed to the cause. There’s a real sense of hope that, together, we will find a way to end this devastating disease.”

The event is family- and pet-friendly, and the walk route is fully accessible. 

It’s also free to attend; however, participants who donate or raise $100 or more will receive a 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s T-shirt in the mail after the walk.

While plans are moving ahead to host the event in-person, organizers say they are monitoring federal, state and local public health guidelines to guarantee the event  adheres to recommendations and is safe for attendees. 

Participants can expect new safety measures at this year’s event, including contactless registration, hand-sanitizing stations, and physical distancing. 

Options will also be offered for those who wish to participate remotely. 

“One of our mottos this year is, ‘Where there’s a walk, there’s a way,’” Wilgus said. 

“For people who would prefer to walk in their own neighborhood, we’re offering some fun and interactive ways to participate through our website and mobile app,” he added.

For questions about the North Olympic Peninsula Walk to End Alzheimer’s, contact the local event manager at northolympicpeninsulawalk@alz.org or 206-529-3861. 

To register, visit alz.org/walk or call 1-800-272-3900.