The Santa Maria branch of the Alzheimer’s Association is inviting local residents to once again join the national movement to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
This year’s walk will be held at Waller Park on Sept. 17 beginning at 9 a.m., but event organizers are encouraging people to start assembling their teams now.
“There has never been a greater need for the citizens of Santa Maria to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Gary Gross, organizer of the Santa Maria walk, in a press release. “Funds raised will help us continue to provide free care and support services to the Santa Maria-area residents living with Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to advancing critically needed research.”
According to the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter, approximately 9,000 Santa Barbara County residents—and their families —suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Without a breakthrough in research, that number is expected to jump to more than 13,000 residents by 2030.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers free support services to families, including care consultations, support groups, and educational opportunities for families and professionals.
Experts and volunteers will be available prior to and during the walk to educate local residents about Alzheimer’s disease and advocacy opportunities, as well as the latest in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trial enrollment.
“Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth leading cause of death,” Alzheimer’s Association officials said in the release. “As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s.”
To start or join a team, visit alz.org/walk.
Managing Editor Amy Asman compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at aasman@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 23-30, 2011.
