Community Corner
1,400 turn out on Walkway Over the Hudson to help end Alzheimer's
Fundraising continues for Dutchess/Ulster walk through the end of the year
The Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s drew around 1,400 people to the Walkway Over the Hudson on Saturday, Oct. 20.
Participants began gathering on the Highland side of the Walkway at 9 a.m., where there were refreshments, including coffee, hot chocolate and bagels.
Meg Boyce, vice president of programs and services for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, sang the national anthem to kick off the opening ceremony, and BlaZIN Zumba led participants in warmup exercises.
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Radio personality Bob Miller of WBPM led the Promise Garden ceremony, in which flowers of various colors were held up by walkers to symbolize their relationship to Alzheimer’s. Purple flowers were held by those who had lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s or dementia and blue flowers were held to represent those living with dementia. Yellow flowers represented caregivers and orange were held by those dedicated to ending Alzheimer’s. The ceremony concluded with the appearance of someone holding a white flower symbolizing the first survivor of the disease.
Walkers then set out on the two-mile trek to the Poughkeepsie side of the bridge and back, Returning walkers were greeted by cheering volunteers ringing cowbells and waving pompoms. Hot dogs and hamburgers provided by the 110 Rod & Gun Club were available as well as a variety of other refreshments.
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The Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s has so far raised more than $141,000 toward its goal of $167,000. The top fundraising teams to date are Racing2Remember and Team Alma. Fundraising will continue through Dec. 31; visit WalkwayWalk.org to make a donation.
About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. Participants learn about Alzheimer's disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical-study enrollment and support programs and services.
About the Hudson Valley Chapter
The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. To learn more about programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the 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/hudsonvalley or call 800.272.3900.
