Health
The Walk to End Alzheimer ’ s is Just the Start
The Alzheimer ’ s
Association ’ s Walk to End Alzheimer ’ s in San Diego and North County were great successes this fall , with more than 2,000 participants raising $ 500,000 to fund Association programs , support groups and research toward a cure .
The comradery and emotional moments were palpable , as people with Alzheimer ’ s , their care partners , families and those who just wanted to support the cause were in attendance . In the words of one participant , “ this feels like one giant support group , and we are all in the same family .”
More than 6.5 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer ’ s disease today , two thirds of them women . The prevalence in Black , Hispanic and Asian American communities is significantly higher than the community at large . In San Diego County alone , more than 65,000 people are fighting the disease .
Alzheimer ’ s is a fatal progressive disease which kills nerve cells and tissue that affect individuals ’ ability to remember , think , plan and function . As of now there is no known
Janet Permada Kelly , Dawn Dairy , Ron Lewis and Reman Raman cure , but research has accelerated the chances that the Association ’ s vision of a world without Alzheimer ’ s and all other dementia is in reach during the lifetimes of the many reading this today .
This would not be possible without the participation of donors and volunteers who give selflessly to help those who cannot help themselves . If you missed this year ’ s Walk to End Alzheimer ’ s , you can still donate at act . alz . org / sandiego or call the Alzheimer ’ s Association office at ( 619 ) 678-8322 .
Just as important though , is for those who are able to give their time as an Alzheimer ’ s Association volunteer , as either an educational program or support group moderator , or joining the planning committee of one of the Association ’ s annual fundraising events ( the Brilliance Gala , the Walk to End Alzheimer ’ s , or “ The Longest Day ,” a create-your-own fundraiser based on your own hobbies or interests ).
Information on all the Alzheimer ’ s Association ’ s programs and other activities can be found on its website , www . alz . org / sandiego .
20 GBSAN . COM | DECEMBER 2022