2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Motion This Saturday (10/8) in Dubuque

Dubuque's 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's is almost here. Set to commence on Saturday, October 8th at 9:30am, this is part of the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

Dubuque's Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place at the scenic American Trust River's Edge Plaza. Registration is at 8am. The opening ceremony will follow at 9am, with the walk beginning at 9:30am. I have the privilege of MC-ing the walk itself, and will be under the River's Edge gazebo, greeting all, thanking sponsors, and enjoying the company of folks from all different walks of life!

The goal of this walk is to raise both money and awareness for Alzheimer's, a crippling disease that affects more than six million Americans of all ages alone. So far, generous donors such as Willenborg Walkers and Team Kuhle have donated thousands of dollars to a great cause. You can too! Make a safe, secure online donation here!

In lieu of the ongoing pandemic, health and safety is a top priority for this event. The event's organizer, Christine Hess, and her team have taken steps to closely monitor CDC, state, and local guidelines adhere to the latest recommendation. Registered participants who wish to Walk From Home can find more details in their participant center.

While most of us know what Alzheimer's is on the surface, and many of us have seen our own family members succumb to it, the statistics are still eye-popping and worth iterating:

Statistics from ALZ.org:

• An estimated 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2022. Seventy-three percent are age 75 or older. About 1 in 9 age 65 and older (10.7%) has Alzheimer's.
• Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women.
• Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older Whites.
• Older Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older Whites.
• As the number of older Americans grows rapidly, so too will the number of new and existing cases of Alzheimer's.
• By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s may grow to a projected 12.7 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow, or cure Alzheimer’s disease.

There is still time to get in on Dubuque's 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's. You can register on the event's website, or contact Christine Hess at 319-238-7783 (or via email: cnhess@alz.org). Or even just stop by River's Edge Plaza on October 8th to enjoy the beautiful weather and cheer on the walkers!

You can also stay up to date with donations and additional information via the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's Facebook page.