Walk to End Alzheimer’s returns to Boston
Seven-thousand people are expected to descend on North Point Park in Cambridge on Sunday, September 27. The annual Greater Boston Walk to End Alzheimer’s is back to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that causes problems with behavior, reasoning, and memory. It’s ultimately fatal, and is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
“There’s no fundraising requirement or minimum, there’s no registration fee,’’ Melissa Shirtcliff, development officer for the Greater Boston Walk to End Alzheimer’s, said of the event.
Donations are appreciated and encouraged. Shirtcliff said there is a fundraising goal this year of $1.45 million for the Boston walk.
“Last year we raised over $1.25 million dollars, and Greater Boston was actually the number one walk in the country last year,’’ she said. “We’re hoping to stay number one again this year.’’
The walk also helps raise awareness about the programs and resources available to families through the Alzheimer’s Association.
“So many people are affected by it,’’ Shirtcliff said. “So many people are dealing with this issue.’’
The National Institute on Aging estimates that more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s.
The walk has two options for participants — a 1.5 mile route or a 3.5 mile route. You also have the option of pre-registering on the website, or showing up on Sunday at 8:30 am and registering at the walker check-in area. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will give a speech during a ceremony at 10 a.m., and the walk will begin at 10:30 a.m.
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