INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — More than 5.3 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease. In Florida, over half-a-million people are currently diagnosed; in Indian River County, there are more than 6,000 people living with the disease.
An estimated $236 billion will be spent in America on care for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia this year alone. And not only are the Alzheimer’s cases growing but the costs are as well; by the year 2050, cost of care for Alzheimer’s and dementia is projected to reach more than $1 trillion.
To combat this trajectory, the Alzheimer’s Association hosts more than 600 Walks to End Alzheimer’s across the country to raise critically-needed research funds to eventually prevent, treat and one day cure this disease.
On Oct. 1, at Humiston Park, walkers will begin the two-mile inspirational walk to raise funds to further care, support and research efforts towards Alzheimer’s disease. There is no registration fee to walk; however every participant is asked to make a personal donation towards the fight. Pelican Landing Assisted Living and Memory Care will be hosting a special VIP tent at the Walk to celebrate caregivers.
Alzheimer’s is the only disease among the top 10 leading causes of death in America that can’t be prevented, cured or even slowed. This year, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Central and North Florida Chapter set their fundraising goals higher than before; they hope to raise more than $20,000 in Vero Beach for community programs and research in and around the area to help families and their loved ones manage through this long, insidious illness.
“The money we raise through these Walks goes to important research – which is our fastest way to treatment and cure – and free support services the Association provides to our community in the Vero Beach area,” said Kay Redington, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Central and North Florida Chapter. “We thank the people of Vero and the greater Indian River County area for their tireless efforts on behalf of our mission. This community has really embraced the hope to one day say we know the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease.”
The Vero Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place on Oct. 1, 2016. Registration and check-in begin promptly at 8 a.m. at 3000 Ocean Dr. The official ceremony begins at 9 a.m. The Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. at Humiston Park on Ocean Drive.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. 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.
Start, or join a team, today by visiting:
act.alz.org/VeroBeach