Alzheimer's Association Rockland County Walk to End Alzheimer's

On Sunday, Oct. 7, more than 700 people gathered at Boulder Stadium in Pomona for the Rockland Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Registration for the event began at 9 a.m, followed by the opening ceremony at 10 a.m.

Meg Boyce, Vice President of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association, kicked things off by singing the national anthem.

The Promise Garden ceremony followed, 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.

Entertainment was provided along the 2-mile walk route, including drumming by the Taiko Drum Team from Clarkstown North High School. Walkers took three laps around the stadium before descending a ramp to the ballfield for a final trip around the warning track, passing the promise garden flowers, which had been “planted” in the grass. Volunteers ringing cowbells greeted walkers as they returned back up the ramp to finish the route.

“It was great to see the Rockland community come out in support of our cause,” said David Sobel, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. “The walk has already raised more than $123,000, and I’m confident we’ll reach our goal of $145,000 by the end of the year.”

The top fundraising teams are Rockland Jewish Family Services, which has raised more than $15,500, and Make Dementia A Forgotten Memory, which has raised more than $10,500. Fundraising for the Rockland Walk to End Alzheimer’s will continue through Dec. 31. Visit RocklandWalk.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.

Photos: Participants take part in the Rockland Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Pomona on Sunday, Oct. 7

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For more information, contact Communications Manager Dugan Radwin at dradwin@alz.orgor 845.454.3565