Orange/Sullivan Walk to End Alzheimer's set for Oct. 18

This year’s Orange/Sullivan Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will be held in Orange and Sullivan counties on Sunday, Oct. 18, will be different than in the past. Instead of a large gathering at Thomas Bull Memorial Park, the walk will be held in neighborhoods throughout Orange and Sullivan. Participants are invited invite to walk at the location of their choice in small groups.

At 10 a.m. on Oct. 18, there will be a virtual opening ceremony, after which participants will begin walking. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s cellphone app will track steps and offer encouragement along the way. There will also be a Drive-By View-Only Promise Garden at the Association’s Middletown Office at 384 Crystal Run Road from noon to 3 p.m.

The Promise Garden is a regular part of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. People select flowers in four colors representing their relationship to the disease that they either carry with them while walking or “plant” in a “garden” at the walk site. To protect everyone's health this year, however, the Promise Garden was set up by a small number of socially distanced volunteers so people could drive by it to raise awareness without leaving their cars.

Those who are unable to Walk on Oct. 18 can still register at OrangeSullivanWalk.org to participate after the actual walk date, and fundraising will continue through Dec. 31. The virtual opening ceremony can be viewed by registrants any time after the walk day through the end of the year. There will also be a follow-up celebration for participants on Nov. 18.

Funds support programs and services

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter is offering its programs and services online and by phone. These include care consultations, where families affected by dementia can speak with a licensed social worker about helpful community resources as well as support groups where caregivers, family members, and people in the early stage of the disease can share their experiences with others who understand.

The chapter also offers free educational and social webinars for the general public and families living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. For specific dates and times when support groups, educational and social webinars are offered, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley or call the 24/7 hotline 800.272.3900 to register. Pre-recorded online educational programs are also available.

About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org.