SBC Striders Team Named Top Fundraising Team at 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
More than 1,500 Sarasota/Manatee area residents joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease on November 17 at Nathan Benderson Park. Participants raised nearly $369,000, exceeding the goal by over $30,000.
“We are incredibly thankful to the Sarasota and Manatee community for their support,” said Kristine Lee, development manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. “The funds raised at this event support local programs for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. We can’t thank the community enough for helping us bring awareness and funds to the fight of this fatal disease.”
iHeart Radio personality LuLu welcomed participants during the opening ceremony and served as emcee for the event. Gary Tibbetts, Special Assistant to Congressman Vern Buchanan, Representing Florida’s 16th Congressional District was also in attendance.
Richard “Dick” Pelton of Sarasota captained the SBC Striders team, the 5th ranked team in the U.S. and the top fundraising team in the state of Florida. He walks for his wife, Dee, who is in the advanced stages of the disease. “My journey as a caregiver started seven years ago. Alzheimer’s disease, with no prevention and no cure, needs significant research funding to find a cure to end the emotional, physical and financial impact for the 16 million caregivers in the U.S. Most of us living in the 21st century have been blessed with long lives and quality aging. But those living with compromised/diseased brains are living a journey of fear, loneliness and isolation. Step up now! Dig deep and invest in finding a cure for our generation and generations to follow.”
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Besides completing the 2-mile walk, participants were able to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs and services. Walk participants also honored those affected by Alzheimer’s disease with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony.
In Florida alone, there are more than 547,000 people living with the disease and 1.1 million caregivers. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 16 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Donations are still being collected. For more information about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and to make a donation, visit alz.org/walk.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s 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.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the 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® or call 800.272.3900.
