Rockland Walk to End Alzheimer's set for Oct. 11 with new format

This year’s Rockland Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11, but it will look different than in the past. Instead of a large gathering at Boulder Stadium, participants will walk at the locations of their choice in neighborhoods throughout Rockland County.

At 10 a.m. on Oct. 11, there will be a virtual opening ceremony, after which participants will begin walking. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s app will track steps and offer encouragement along the way.

There will also be a Drive-By Promise Garden set up at Boulder Stadium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 11. 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 without leaving their cars.

Registration is open at RocklandWalk.org and the site will remain open through Dec. 31 for donations. Those who would like to participate but aren’t available on Oct. 11 can register even after walk day and walk whenever and wherever they choose. A virtual Pep Rally and the Opening Ceremony will also be available to watch online after the walk

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.