RED WING, MINN. — The Alzheimer’s Association invites Red Wing and Pierce County area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in its Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2021, at Colvill Park. Participants can walk in their neighborhood or via the official mobile app or in-person following provided COVID safety protocols. Check-in is at 9 a.m., the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. with the Walk beginning at 10:20 a.m. Participants are encouraged to register early and fundraise to help the Alzheimer’s Association reach its $30,000 goal. Registration is free._ In Minnesota, there are more than 99,000 people living with the disease, and 170,000 caregivers. The vision of the Alzheimer’s Association is a world without Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The funds raised during the Walk will help provide the community with free care and support services._ “My family’s life was changed forever in 2015 when my mom, Carol, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s,” said Walk Committee Co-Chair Jane Snyder. “We had no idea what to do and where to get our questions answered and support for my dad. I gave the Alzheimer’s Association a call, and the following year, we started a team and joined the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This year will be our sixth year walking as Carol’s Crew, and we know that together we can end Alzheimer’s.”

On Walk Day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease._ More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease — a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. _ Joining Snyder is Co-Chair Kate Sutton-Brown and a fourperson committee including Lona Bignell, Sheryl Williams, Kory Phillips and Zack Phillips.

Health & safety precautions

The health and safety of participants is a top priority. COVID-19 protocols implemented follow local, state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, including contactless registration, physical distancing, masks (where required), hand sanitizing stations and more.

Walk from home

Supporters are welcome to walk from home by engaging in many Walk Day experiences through the Alzheimer’s Association website and mobile app. Experiences include a prerecorded Opening and Promise Garden Ceremony, an augmented reality Promise Garden that allows participants to select a flower and plant it among others, as well as a route map to track your athome walk.

Register, learn more and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk at_act.alz.org/redwing. Download the Walk to End Alzheimer’s app in the Itu nes or Google Play Stores.

Submitted by Alzheimer’s Association