Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, October 18, 2016
(INDIANAPOLIS) - During September and October, more than 11,000 Hoosiers joined together in a movement to reclaim the future for millions in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Participants in 12 walks across the state raised more than $1.7 million to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.
The Indianapolis Walk to End Alzheimer's marked the conclusion of the 2016 Walk season in Greater Indiana. More than 4,500 Marion and surrounding county residents participated on Oct. 15, 2016, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Totals are being finalized, but initial numbers indicate that walkers raised nearly $770,000, an increase of 10 percent from 2015.
Overall, Hoosier participants increased 8 percent of funds raised from the 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer's, which raised $1.5 million. To date, participants have raised 83 percent of the $2 million statewide goal, which will help fund caregiver support and Alzheimer's disease research for Hoosiers affected by this disease. Donations will be collected through December 30 at alz.org/Indiana/walk.
"It's inspiring to see such tremendous support from Indiana residents for those living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or dementia," said Heather Hershberger, Alzheimer's Association Great Indiana Chapter Executive Director. "The funds raised from all walks directly impact Alzheimer's care, support and research in Indiana."
Greater Indiana Walks were held in Anderson, Bloomington, Columbus, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Lake County, Michiana, Michigan City, Richmond and Terre Haute. Each walk, with the support of statewide premier partner, Eli Lilly and Company, and statewide presenting partners Kittle's Furniture and Trilogy Health Services, contributed to the statewide goal.
Walk to End Alzheimer's participants heard families from each community share personal experiences with the disease, which moved nearly 2,000 Hoosiers to become advocates to help with public policy efforts at home and in Washington, D.C. Walkers also signed up to become involved in Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch®, a free service that connects persons with Alzheimer's, caregivers, families and physicians to clinical trials based on personal criteria and location.
Alzheimer's disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation's sixth-leading cause of death. 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. In Indiana alone, there are more than 110,000 people living with Alzheimer's.
Donations to each of the 12 walks will be accepted through the end of the year in order to help reach overall fundraising goals. For more information or to make a donation, please visit alz.org/Indiana/walk or call (800) 272-3900.
About the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's:
The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer 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 - the nation's sixth-leading cause of death.
About the Alzheimer's Association:
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's®. Visit alz.org/Indiana or call (800) 272-3900.
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