The annual walk will not be held at Wittenberg University. Instead, participants are encouraged to walk individually or in small groups in their neighborhoods on Saturday.
“We wanted to provide participants multiple ways to support the ongoing needs of families facing Alzheimer’s disease, so we have found a way for people to walk safely or people can just fundraise and make a donation without walking,” Karen Carter, vice president of development for the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter, said.
“This year the choice of how to participate is up to you and we appreciate the hundreds of people who have already signed up to join us on that day,” she added.
On Saturday, participants are encouraged to log into Mainstage, the event’s interactive online experience, walk in their neighborhood, track their steps using the app and visit the Promise Garden, a press release from the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter said.
The view-only Promise Garden will be at First United Church of Christ, located at 2100 E. High St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The walk ceremony and the Promise Garden ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will be live-streamed.
The money raised from the walk will go towards the free services that the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter provides to nine local counties - including Clark and Champaign counties, Blackwell Clark said.
Last year, about 750 people participated in the walk at Wittenberg University raising almost $100,000, the press release said. The Miami Valley Chapter is hoping to raise $88,000 this year.
The free services offered in Clark and Champaign counties include education programs, care consultations and support groups.
Prior to the pandemic, Blackwell Clark said care consultations were held at United Senior Services in Springfield and a support group was meeting at the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield.
In an effort to limit residents to the possible exposure to COVID-19, the Miami Valley Chapter is holding consultations and support groups virtually, Blackwell Clark said.
“Alzheimer’s can be very isolating particularly for caregivers," Blackwell Clark said. "COVID-19 has really increased the stress for Alzheimer’s caregivers particularly with adult centers that are closed and senior centers that are closed right now. We want to make sure that we are providing that support for all of those families and all of those caregivers.”
For more information on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s or to register, visit www.alz.org/walk. Clark and Champaign residents are encouraged to call 937-291-3332 for more information about the free services available.
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