Howard County Walk to End Alzheimer’s Returning to Centennial Park, Sept. 24

TIMONIUM, Md. – The Alzheimer’s Association invites the community to make a difference in the lives of the 100,000 Marylanders living with Alzheimer’s disease by participating in the 2016 Howard County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, taking place Saturday, Sept. 24, beginning at 9 a.m., at Centennial Park in Ellicott City.

“The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the Alzheimer's Association's largest gathering for caregivers, advocates and friends united in the commitment to move our cause forward,” said Cass Naugle, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Maryland Chapter.

Over 1,200 walkers are expected and volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of roles including greeters, cheer squad members, Kids’ Corner aids, photographers and food court servers.

Walker check-in starts at 9 a.m., when participants can pick up t-shirts, take team photos, decorate posters and honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by placing flowers in the Promise Garden. Following a powerful opening ceremony at 10 a.m., the 2.5-mile walk will commence at 10:30 a.m.

Everyone is encouraged to stay afterward to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause. They also can enjoy entertainment, including the Kids’ Corner, as well as light refreshments provided by Giant Food, Panera Bread and Baltimore Coffee and Tea.

Walkers can register as individuals or teams. Registration is free and those who raise at least $100 will receive a Walk to End Alzheimer’s t-shirt. To register, volunteer or donate, visit alz.org/walk. To learn more about the disease and available resources, visit alz.org/maryland or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

“Funds raised at our Walk events help us reach more families impacted by Alzheimer's with resources and caring services,” Naugle added. “They also support research for treating, preventing and, ultimately, eliminating this disease, which is a growing epidemic and the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.”

The Greater Maryland Chapter will host a total of six regional Walk events, made possible by national presenting sponsor, Edward Jones, and the following statewide sponsors: Genesis HealthCare, Brightview Senior Living, Five Star Senior Living/Heartfields-Sommerford, Giant Food, Panera Bread, Pharmasite Research, Staples and UPS. Additional sponsors of the Howard County Walk include McCormick, WeCare and Baltimore Coffee and Tea.

About Alzheimer’s disease and the Alzheimer’s Association

· There are over 5.3 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s.

· Every 66 seconds, someone else in America develops the disease.

· The number of people affected is expected to quadruple by the year 2050.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Its 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. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit alz.org/maryland or call 800.272.3900.