Newton Resident Raises Awareness for Alzheimer's

NEWTON, MA – A Newton resident is helping raise awareness for Alzheimer's to honor the loved ones he lost to the disease.

Howard Sholkin will take part in the Greater Boston Walk to End Alzheimer's Sunday, Sep. 25 in Cambridge. Sholkin is walking for his stepmother and father-in-law, who both passed away after a battle with Alzheimer's.

Sholkin leads the Community of Newton team, reaching out to the city's residents to raise money and awareness for the event. This year, he received approval from the city of Newton to post signs at nine intersections two weeks ahead of the Walk to inform residents of the fight to end Alzheimer's.

"I am a boomer and we're up next for the ravages of Alzheimer's," Sholkin said in a press release.

This is Sholkin's third year participating in the Walk; to date, Sholkin has raised more than $2,600 for the event since 2014.

Hosted by the Alzheimer's Association, the Walk is the nation's largest fundraising event for Alzheimer's care, support and research.

"We are grateful to each person who makes a commitment to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s by participating, volunteering or making a donation," Jim Wessler, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter, said in the release. "The funds raised will provide support services to people impacted by Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to the research that is critical to putting an end to this disease."

• Photo: Sholkin (right) poses with a high school student at last year's Walk.

Photo submitted