Columbia Walk to End Alzheimer’s expecting hundreds to attend on Saturday
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
According to a Senior Fundraising Manager for the Alzheimer's Association, Laurie Williams says hundreds are expected to attend the Columbia Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday.
"It's going to be absolutely incredible," Williams said. "We have Truman the Tiger, Golden Girls and all sorts of other local vendors and lots of entertainment for everyone."
Williams says walk day is used as a way for the community to show support for those battling the disease and for the caregivers who support them.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are over 122,000 Missourians battling Alzheimer's Disease who have over 223,000 people taking care of them.
The Association says Alzheimer's is the 7th leading cause of death and over 2,500 people in Missouri died in 2021 from the disease. A few members of the ABC 17 Family have lost loved ones to the disease.
How to support the cause
Join ABC 17 News at the Columbia Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday at Stankowski Field. This year, the walk goal is set at $185,000. As of Saturday morning, the walk had raised more than $110,000.
Last year, the walk raised $161,000 for the Alzheimer's Association.
The money raised throughout the year for the walks helps to pay for local support groups, educational programs and 24/7 helpline services.
Resources
The Alzheimer's Association has a free 24/7 hotline (1-800-272-3900) which offers resources, support, assistance and information for anyone affected by Alzheimer's including patients, caregivers and family members.
