Walk to End Alzheimer’s to Be Held Saturday at Mineral Springs Park Lagoon

The annual Tazewell County Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday, Sept. 22 at Mineral Springs Park Lagoon in Pekin. The walk starts at 9 a.m.; registration begins at 8.

Last year, more than 170 people participated and raised $18,400 for the Alzheimer’s Association-Central Illinois Chapter. This money is vital to funding programs and services for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their families. It also supports crucial Alzheimer’s research efforts and clinical trials.

Judy Davis of Pekin has participated in the Walk since it began in 2004. “I got involved because I have seen what the disease does to people and how it affects families,” said Davis, who lost her beloved aunt to the disease. “I want awareness to grow and people to get interested and raise the funds to make research possible.”

More than 5.4 Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the only one that cannot be prevented, treated or cured. By midcentury, that number is expected to skyrocket to 16 million if no treatment or cure is found.

A meaningful and memorable ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease will be held just prior to the Walk. The family-friendly event also will feature a ventriloquist, face painting and other fun.

Everyone is welcome, and donations are appreciated. Participants are encouraged to register online at www.alz/illinoiscentral or by calling the Chapter toll free at 800.272.3900. The online tools make it easy to start or join a team, or to register as an individual. All participants who raise $100 or more will receive a commemorative T-shirt. And for every $100 raised, one’s name will be entered into a drawing for an iPad 3.

For those who can’t make it Saturday, the Peoria Walk to End Alzheimer’s is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7.

"The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's disease. I am excited to see all of the hard work of our community come full circle at the event on Saturday, helping us get one step closer to a day without Alzheimer's,” said Breeana Hill, Walk to End Alzheimer’s director for the Central Illinois Chapter.

The Alzheimer's Association – Central Illinois Chapter is a donor-supported, not-for-profit health organization serving 20 counties in Illinois. For additional information or for help, please visit the website at alz.org/illinoiscentral or call 800.272.3900.