Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's Engages and Inspires Tazewell Count Residents

WANTED:  individuals who want to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. No experience necessary; all that is needed is a willingness and passion to make a difference.

Now is the time for individuals and teams to register for the 10^th Annual Tazewell County Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The event will be held Thursday, Sept. 26^th, at Mineral Springs Lagoon, Pekin.

“Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research and it is a fantastic opportunity to support the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s,” says Teresa Tucker, Tazewell County Walk Chairperson and member of the Central Illinois Chapter board of directors. “Attendees at our walks report feeling a sense of fellowship with others who have experienced the tragedy of Alzheimer’s. Walkers can get information about the Association’s programs and services, research and clinical trial enrollment, and advocacy opportunities. Each walker will also join in a meaningful ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease.”

2013 Major Sponsors include Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Pekin Insurance, OSF Healthcare, Liberty Village of Pekin, Pekin Hospital Home Health, Care Solutions Home Services, Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory, LTD, and Peters Squirrel Corn Farms.

Last year over 200 walkers and corporate sponsors raised nearly $25,000 in Tazewell County. Top walkers included Mary Innis, Mike Zabinski and Teresa Tucker; Top teams included the Pekin Moose Family Walkers, Sigma Kappa Beta Nu, and Team Innis.

All participants who raise $100 or more will receive a Walk to End Alzheimer’s t-shirt and additional prizes; individuals who raise $500 or more will become members of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Champions Club. Individuals can start or join a team today at http://www.alz.org/illinoiscentral/in_my_community_walk.asp or by calling Walk Manager Kari Gabbert at the Chapter office at 800.272.3900 or 309.681.1100.

Walk Day Schedule:

5:00 p.m.           Registration

6:00 p.m.           Opening Ceremony

7:00 p.m.           Individual and Team Recognition

Funds raised will provide care and support services to Tazewell County residents living with Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to advancing critically-needed research. Area services include monthly support groups in Morton and Pekin, a 24-hour telephone hotline, information and referral, care consultations, educational programs, safety services, clinical trial opportunities and advocacy activities. An upcoming program will be held:

The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Wednesday, Sept. 18^th, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Tremont Public Library, 215 S. Sampson, Tremont

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.  Every 68 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s.

 By the Numbers:

• More than 210,000 Illinoisans are living with Alzheimer’s.
• Nearly 4,500 calls were placed to the Chapter’s toll-free Helpline in FY2012.
• 1,845 were first time callers to the 24-Hour Hotline
• In FY2012 there were 836 additional total calls over the previous year, representing a 22 percent increase.
• The Central Illinois Chapter provided more than 7,500 service contacts in FY12.
• The Chapter offered more than 128 classroom education programs in FY2012, attracting 1,700 attendees.