Thousands to Descend on Atlantic City Boardwalk for Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Sept. 27, 2011 - PRLog -- ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – The Atlantic City boardwalk will be decked out  in purple as families and supporters of people living with Alzheimer’s “Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” on Sunday, October 23.  The biggest event of the year for the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the 5K walk is expected to draw 2,000 people, including 130 walking teams to raise awareness of the disease and funds to eradicate it and support victims and their families.

Every 69 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. More than 5.4 million nationwide are coping with its devastating effects.  It is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death, and the only one in the top 10 with no known treatment and no known cure.

The event, presented this year by local sponsor, Genesis Healthcare, kicks off with registration at 9:30 am in front of Boardwalk Hall at Kennedy Plaza, between Mississippi and Georgia Avenues.  The walk begins at 11:00 a.m.  Refreshments will be served to participants and volunteers, most of whom will be sporting team shirts or signature purple Alzheimer’s Association shirts for raising $100 or more for the cause.  

“We’re now the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and this year’s Atlantic City event will be one to remember,” says Linda Coppinger, executive director, Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley, South Jersey Regional Office.  “Our New Jersey supporters are just incredibly passionate, and we’ve been blessed with wonderful corporate support as well.”

There will be music, refreshments, a Kid’s Corner with face painting, and opportunities to get information about the Alzheimer’s Association and the disease itself.  On-air personalities from FOX 29 will be on hand, along with Cha Cha, the mascot of the nearby Rainforest Café.

With walks held coast to coast, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, also known as Memory Walk, is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.  Held annually, the inspiring event calls on volunteers of all ages to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s.  Champions include those living with the disease, families, caregivers, and corporate and community leaders.  Last year’s Delaware Valley Walks raised $1 million.

To start a Walk to End Alzheimer’s team or to make a donation, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/desjsepa, or call 800-272-3900.

The Delaware Valley Chapter covers 18 counties in South Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, providing services to more than 294,000 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder, approximately 85,000 in South Jersey alone.

For more information, call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 or visit the chapter website at alz.org/desjsepa.  

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Delaware Valley Chapter is the local arm of the national organization.

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