MINNEAPOLIS — Families and others affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia often refer to the current advancements in research as reason for the “Era of Hope.”
So, on Saturday, Sept. 21, thousands of families and others who know the disease will celebrate that hope at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Target Field. KARE 11’s Karla Hult will once again emcee one of the nation’s largest fundraising walks, featuring 7,000 to 10,000 attendees, along with Gabi Del Moral of Telemundo Minnesota.
"Those of us who know Alzheimer's or another dementia, also know this disease can feel so overwhelming and isolating,” said Karla, whose dad finished his Alzheimer’s marathon in 2019.
Karla added, “It's why I've always cherished the Walk to End Alzheimer's. There's just nothing like connecting with a stadium full of people who understand how it feels to live with this cruel disease. Together, we find incomparable empathy and support. Together, we find new strength to fight. And together, we find the joy that still exists during the journey."
The event includes helpful resources for caregivers and anyone impacted by dementia. Registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by a powerful opening ceremony that will be presented in both English and Spanish. To register at no cost, click here.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, money raised from the event provides local support groups, classes and resources at no cost to Minnesota families. The Alzheimer’s Association is also a significant champion and supporter of advanced critical dementia research, including research projects currently happening in Minnesota. This year, the goal is to raise $1.5 million through the event.
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 unpaid care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Minnesota alone, 101,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s and 164,000 unpaid caregivers support them.
But families dealing with those challenges hold onto the hope found in research, including two new FDA-approved treatments now available to slow early stages of the disease.
