Walk to End Alzheimer’s to Be Held Saturday at Mineral Springs Park Lagoon

The annual TazewellCounty Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday, Sept. 22 at Mineral SpringsPark Lagoon in Pekin. The walk starts at9 a.m.; registration begins at 8.
Last year, more than 170 people participated and raised $18,400for the Alzheimer’s Association-Central Illinois Chapter. This money is vital tofunding programs and services for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and theirfamilies. It also supports crucial Alzheimer’s research efforts and clinicaltrials.
Judy Davis of Pekin has participated in the Walk since itbegan in 2004. “I got involved because I have seen what the disease does topeople and how it affects families,” said Davis, who lost her beloved aunt tothe disease. “I want awareness to grow and people to get interested and raisethe funds to make research possible.”
More than 5.4 Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease,which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the onlyone that cannot be prevented, treated or cured. By midcentury, that number isexpected to skyrocket to 16 million if no treatment or cure is found.
A meaningfuland memorable ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease will beheld just prior to the Walk. The family-friendly event also will feature aventriloquist, face painting and other fun.
Everyone is welcome, and donations are appreciated. Participants are encouraged to registeronline at www.alz/illinoiscentralor by calling the Chapter toll free at 800.272.3900. The online tools makeit easy to start or join a team, or to register as an individual. Allparticipants who raise $100 or more will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Andfor every $100 raised, one’s name will be entered into a drawing for an iPad 3.
For those who can’t make it Saturday, the Peoria Walk to EndAlzheimer’s is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7.
"The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the nation's largestevent to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's disease. I am excited to seeall of the hard work of our community come full circle at the event onSaturday, helping us get one step closer to a day without Alzheimer's,” saidBreeana Hill, Walk to End Alzheimer’s director for the Central IllinoisChapter.
The Alzheimer's Association – Central Illinois Chapter isa donor-supported, not-for-profit health organization serving 20 counties inIllinois. For additional information or for help, please visit the website at alz.org/illinoiscentral or call800.272.3900.