The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraising event, with more than 600 walks taking place across the United States

By Patricia Nugent

One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraising event, with more than 600 walks taking place across the United States every fall. The event supports the association’s free education, programs and support groups, Alzheimer’s care services and advancements in treatment and research.

“The fundraising goal for the Lake and Geauga Walk is $150,000,” says Lori Caszatt, of local sponsor Western and Southern Life and the 2024 walk’s chairperson.

Lori became involved with the walk because she felt compelled to help.

“My mother passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2022 after a 10-year battle and my grandma and great-grandma also had the disease,” Lori says. “I wanted to contribute and help others who have been in my situation or are currently going through it.”

Registration for the Lake and Geauga 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s is free and open to all ages. Participants can register to walk as a team, an individual or be a team captain.

“My favorite part of the event is seeing everyone holding their flower pinwheels at the Promise Garden Ceremony, the smiles and the memories of loved ones gone,” Lori says. “By being there and supporting the Alzheimer’s Association, participants are promoting hope and an eventual cure.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report, an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s dementia, including 236,200 in Ohio. In 2021, 4,947 Ohioans died from Alzheimer’s, and 414,000 Ohio family caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at more than $11.4 billion.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s support services include a 24/7 helpline, personal dementia care coaching, local caregiver support groups and social engagements. Educational programs provided by the Alzheimer’s Association include, “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” “10 Warning Signs,” “Healthy Habits for your Brain and Body,” “Effective Communication Strategies,” and “Tools for Dementia Caregivers.” All services provided are free and depend on the generous support of donors, partners and chapter events and fundraisers, including the annual Walks to End Alzheimer's.

“We want the community to be involved in the walk because this disease affects so many,” says Ashley Hendricks, Development Manager for the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula Counties. “We want friends and families to see there is hope, that treatments are available, and that a cure is on the horizon.”

Alzheimer’s is a public health crisis and everyone knows someone impacted by the disease. Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Area Chapter at 216-342-5556 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources. The Alzheimer's Association Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year at 800-272-3900 for information, guidance and support. For more information, to register to walk as a team or individual, or to sign up to be a team captain, visit Act.Alz.org/lakegeaugawalk.

Lake and Geauga Counties Walk to End Alzheimer’s
When: Saturday, September 28, 2024, rain or shine

Where: Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, Ohio

Registration: 8 a.m.

Promise Garden Ceremony: 8:45 a.m.

Walk: 9 a.m.

Strollers welcome, please no bicycles, skateboards, inline skates or wheelie footwear. Well-behaved dogs must be on leash.

Details: Act.Alz.org/lakegeaugawalk

Additional 2024 local Walk to End Alzheimer’s Events

Lorain County – Saturday, September 7

Ashtabula – Saturday, September 14

Wooster – Saturday, September 21

Medina – Sunday, September 22

Mahoning Valley – Saturday, September 28

Akron – Sunday, October 13

Stark County – Saturday, October 5

Cleveland – Saturday, October 19