East End Walk to End Alzheimer’s to be Held August 25

July 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Alzheimer’s Association Long Island is inviting Eastern Long Island residents to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the East End Walk to End Alzheimer’s on August 25. This year’s walk will begin at Downtown Riverhead’s Grangebel Park on Peconic Avenue and end at the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center (formerly known as Atlantis Marine World), located at 431 Main Street in Riverhead. Opening ceremonies are at 10 a.m. with the Walk beginning at 11 a.m.

Sean M. Walter, Riverhead Town Supervisor, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s opening ceremonies. Supervisor Walter, who was elected Town Supervisor in 2010, has always been an active and dedicated member of the Riverhead community as part of the Riverhead Rotary and the Knights of Columbus.

“I am pleased to address the participants in this year’s East End Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Supervisor Walter. “Their involvement and dedication to raising awareness for much needed research, care and support should be recognized. I believe this event is essential in raising awareness and support for Long Island families who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.”  

Participants will learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities, the latest in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trial enrollment to support programs and services. Each walker will also join in a meaningful ceremony to honor those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s disease.

Participants will walk alongside the scenic Peconic River and end at the Long Island Aquarium, where there will be a clambake and scavenger hunt for the children. There is no admission fee for the Walk itself but individuals who raise $100 or more will receive free all-day access to the clambake, scavenger hunt and the aquarium, as well as an insulated lunch tote and a commemorative t-shirt. General admission to the aquarium and clambake is $80 for adults and $50 for children and young adults. Children under two will be admitted free.

This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will also commemorate the one-year anniversary of the grand opening of AALI’s office in Southampton. This satellite office was designed to allow care consultants to schedule family meetings and provide information for families or individuals on the East End of Long Island who are coping with Alzheimer’s disease.

“There has never been a greater need for the citizens of the East End of Long Island to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer’s Association Long Island. “The funds raised will provide care and support services to more than 60,000 residents of Long Island living with Alzheimer’s disease, including those living on eastern Long Island.”

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. 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.

For more information, or to register for the East End Walk to End Alzheimer’s, please contact Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director/CEO, at (631) 820-8068 or visit www.alz.org/longisland.





About Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s 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. For more information, visit www.alz.org.