Walk to end Alzheimer's® raises $8,100

More than 90 residents in the Cowley County area participated in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s event, which was wrapped up at this past weekend’s Thank You Celebration event held at the Kansas Bar & Grill in Winfield.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which benefits the Alzheimer’s Association and was held at the end of September at the American Legion in Winfield, unites everyone in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. This year’s Walk route was through downtown Winfield.

“ We had a wonderful Walk this year. It was a gorgeous morning and we welcomed 13 teams to the event,” said chairperson Sarah Griggs. Those teams participating along with the Walk’s sponsors raised more than $8,100 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.

“I was inspired by Cowley County residents uniting in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Sarah McNay, Central and Western Kansas Alzheimer’s Association Special Events Coordinator. “With funds raised, the Alzheimer’s Association will be able to provide much needed care and support to people affected by the disease as well as fund critically needed Alzheimer’s research.”

Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants did more than complete the walk through downtown Winfield. They learned more about Alzheimer’s disease and the Association’s critical role in the fight against it, including the latest about Alzheimer’s research and current clinical trials, how they can become involved in advocacy efforts at home and in Washington, DC and the Association’s support programs and services.

KSOK-FM kicked off the Walk event by providing a live remote at this year’s Walk location. In the opening and closing ceremonies the organizing committee recognized a few individuals and one of the teams at the Walk. Sarah Griggs, Rodger Steffan and Amy Powers joined the Champions Club and received a “champions” medal by raising $500 or more individually. Participants were then encouraged to continue collecting donations through to the Thank You Celebration Party on November 11.

The Thank You Celebration Party was held at the Kansas Bar & Grill in Winfield. Walk participants enjoyed a relaxing evening with food and drinks. The Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor team was received the 1st Place award for raising over $3,565. Amy Powers was also recognized for raising the most money individually overall with a total of $572.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. In Kansas alone, there are 51,000 people living with Alzheimer’s. For more information or to make a donation visit alz.org/walk.

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