Rockland Walk to End Alzheimer's raises over $100,000

POMONA - On Sunday, Oct. 20, nearly 500 people gathered at Boulder Stadium for the Rockland Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

The event kicked off with a warm-up exercise by John Hoke of JVH Performance followed by some words from Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, who spoke of his support for the Alzheimer’s Association and its mission.

Participants were then encouraged to raise flowers of various colors representing their relationships to the disease. Yellow flowers symbolized those caring for someone with dementia, while orange were for are those who support the cause of ending Alzheimer’s. People with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia held blue flowers, and those holding purple ones had lost a loved one to the disease. A single white flower represented the first survivor of Alzheimer’s.

Walkers set off on the route, which repeated two to three times around the inside (concourse level) perimeter of the stadium with the final lap on the field-level warning track, ending at the Promise Garden, where walkers could “plant” the flowers they carried representing their relationship to the disease. The Clarkstown High North School Drum Band played along the route in the stadium, and walkers returning to the finish line were greeted by live music from the Kings of Rock and Roll.

“The walk brought together all ages in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease,” said Walk Manager Sue Bunce. “We are humbled to be part of the lives of those affected and will continue to support the community. It's inspired us to continue fundraising until Dec. 31.”

So far, the event has raised around $102,000, which is 67 percent of the event’s overall fundraising goal of $153,000. To make a donation, visit RocklandWalk.org.

Pfizer was the Promise Garden Sponsor for the Rockland Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

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 alz.org or call 800.272.3900.