Alzheimer's Walk At PC Set For Saturday

PROVIDENCE, RI - From The Alzheimer's Association: The color purple will take over Providence College’s outdoor track facility on Saturday, April 28th, as the College hosts its fifth annual Alzheimer’s Walk, “A Walk to Remember.” This year’s walk is being led by Jill Hennessey, Providence College senior and President of the College’s Health Care Club. Other students from the Health Care Club, including Arriana Arroyo, sophomore and treasurer, have formed a committee to help with the planning of the anniversary walk.

The Alzheimer's Association estimates that in the United States someone develops Alzheimer's disease
every 65 seconds. By 2050 that number is expected to be more than halved, with an American developing
the disease every 33 seconds. Although the disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States,
there is currently no prevention, effective treatment, or cure. The disease's rising prevalence and personal
stories have inspired Providence College students to get active and make a difference each year.

The idea of hosting a walk against Alzheimer’s on campus began in 2013 with a Providence College senior, whose dad was diagnosed with Dementia. The Health Care Club students have kept the conversation alive to continue to raise awareness and funds about the disease among the College’s community. Both Hennessey and Arroyo have lost their grandmother’s to Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia. Planning the Alzheimer’s Walk on campus has been a way for them to keep their grandparents’ memory alive. “Everyone in my friend group knows someone who has Alzheimer’s. It was comforting to learn that there is a community of students standing up in the fight against Alzheimer’s right here at Providence College,” said Arroyo. “Keeping these narratives alive is important in raising awareness about the disease and motivates me when planning for the walk,” Arroyo added. Alzheimer’s disease has become a prevalent topic in the classroom where students are learning the physical and emotional toll the disease has on those affected. “This is not a disease that just affects the elderly, but there is an entire population of people under the age of 65 that are diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. We are an important generation to raise concern and awareness about the effect it will have on us as the population continues to age,” said Hennessy. To gear up for what they hope will be a larger turn-out than last year, the students will be selling purple lollipops on campus to raise more awareness
about the upcoming walk. The students are confident and hopeful in the research that is being done to find
treatment and a cure. “I truly believe that the end of Alzheimer’s starts with us,” said Hennessey.

Alzheimer's is a disease that touches many. Join the cause and help make a difference in the lives of those dealing with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. The Walk to Remember will be held at Providence College's Ray Treacy Track Facility rain or shine on Saturday, April 28 and is open to the
community. This year’s event will include music, food, and prizes. Registration will begin at 1:00PM and the walk will kick-off at 2:00PM. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, Rhode Island Chapter efforts towards Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Participants can register on the Walk’s Facebook page @alzheimerswalkpc or donate in advance here
https://www.mightycause.com/story/Providencecollege5thannualwalk.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s ® . Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

Photo courtesy of Providence College, Alzheimer's Association