The 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the Big Country Is Coming!

The 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s is fast approaching, and our Big Country community  is gearing up for another powerful day of support, hope, and determination. On Saturday, September 28, we'll take a walk together toward ending Alzheimer's, that impacts millions of families, including my own.

This year, the goal is to raise $163,000, and while we're making progress, having already reached 43% of that goal with $70,816 raised, there's still a lot of work to be done. Every dollar counts in this critical fight as we try to reach the goal by the time the walk starts.

For me, this touches me deeply because I've taken care of parents, grandparents and other relatives battling alzheimer's and dementia. I've watched this horrible disease destroy and claim the lives of my loved ones. Watching the people we love most lose their memories and sense of self is a pain like no other. I would never wish this upon anyone. That's why, I volunteer for this event. And this year, I will either be walking and broadcasting live from the event, sharing words of encouragement with fellow walkers and volunteers, and honoring those we have lost.

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This year, we’re returning to tradition with everyone encouraged to wear alzheimer's purple, the official color of the Alzheimer's Association, which symbolizes the fight for a future without Alzheimer's. If you’d like a new purple t-shirt, be sure to sign up before August 31st at alz.org/walk to get your shirt in time for the walk.

Lauren Stephans, Abilene Region Director for the Alzheimer’s Association, emphasizes:
“Fighting to end Alzheimer’s and supporting those impacted isn’t just seasonal. Until the day comes when no one will face this disease, we remain committed to providing quality care and support for those on the dementia journey.”

Right now, there is no cure for Alzheimer's and over 6 million Americans are living with this disease, making it one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. In Texas, we have over 400,000 people battling Alzheimer's, and there are more than 1 million unpaid caregivers. The numbers are staggering, but together, we can make a difference.

So, put on your running shoes, slip on your new purple Alzheimer's Walk shirt and come join us at Nelson Park by the Abilene Zoo on Saturday, September 28th. Remember every step we take brings us closer to finding a cure.

You can register for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's in Abilene at alz.org/walk. Let’s make 2024 the year we put an end to Alzheimer’s. Together, we can do this!