WJZ's Derek Valcourt To Compete as "Dancing Star" at Alzheimer's Association Memory Ball Apr. 18

BALTIMORE – As a journalist, WJZ-TV Reporter Derek Valcourt has broadcast countless missing person’s alerts when Alzheimer’s patients have wandered off or gotten lost. And he has been there to report when some of those stories end sadly.

Now he’s preparing to become part of a positive story about local community leaders stepping up in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Derek will be one of 10 performing as a “Dancing Star” at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Ball, Saturday, Apr. 18, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.

This premier Baltimore event features cocktails, dinner and music by local band, Highway Star. The highlight is the dance competition to win the Judge’s Choice Trophy for best dance and the You’re Our Star Trophy based on “votes” tied to donations ($1 per vote online and at the event).

This is not the first time Derek has put on his dancing shoes. As a college student, he spent three years choreographing and teaching hip-hop dance classes and performing in front of large audiences. At the Memory Ball, he’ll put his skills to the test and perform a Hip-Hop/Cha-Cha Fusion to “Fireball” by Pitbull.

To vote for Derek, visit http://act.alz.org/goto/DerekValcourt. To purchase tickets to the Memory Ball or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit alz.org/maryland or call 800.272.3900.

Event proceeds will fund supportive services of the Alzheimer’s Association and critical research for a cure. More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease, 97,000 in Maryland and every 67 seconds that number increases by one. Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s 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®. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.