Walking to End Alzheimer’s

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We all have a reason to end Alzheimer’s disease. On October 19, those reasons will be

displayed at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® of the Golden Isles at Neptune Park on St. Simons Island. Each participant will hold a Promise Garden flower in a color that symbolizes their connection to the cause. Blue represents someone with Alzheimer's or dementia. Purple is for someone who has lost a loved one to the disease. Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Orange is for everyone who supports the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer’s

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. In Georgia alone, there are more than 154,000 people living with the disease and 533,000 caregivers. Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in the country and arguably the most devastating to families.

The Alzheimer’s Association recognizes this healthcare crisis and is committed to its mission of eliminating Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; providing and enhancing care and support for all affected; and reducing the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest private funder of Alzheimer’s and dementia research and provides free programs and services to the Golden Isles community including a 24/7 helpline, support groups, education, safety services and more.   

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. When you participate in the Walk, your fundraising dollars fuel the Association’s mission, and your participation in the event helps to change the level of Alzheimer’s awareness in our community.

For the last three years Edward Jones has stepped up in a big way to support the Walk both nationally and regionally. Edward Jones is the first national presenting sponsor of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® and raised over $3 million last year alone. Their impact locally continues to grow with participation from all seven Golden Isles branches. Jeff Jones, financial advisor and regional lead for Edward Jones, is serving as the event Co-Chair with Dale Provenzano for the second year in a row. “We are thrilled to support the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer's of the Golden Isles," says Jones. "As the national presenting sponsor for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, this is a cause we have really embraced and, unfortunately, one that has affected many of our clients. We are dedicated to raising awareness and funds so we can proudly say one day that we helped to eliminate this dreadful disease.”

The Alzheimer’s Association provides free, easy-to-use tools and staff support to help participants reach their fundraising goals. While there is no fee to register, participants are encouraged to fundraise in order to contribute to the cause and raise awareness. You can register as a team or as an individual at georgiawalk.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. 

Signature Properties Group is one of this year’s top fundraising teams and sponsors. “We are so excited to be participating in the Golden Isles Walk to End Alzheimer’s," says Charlene James, Team Captain for Signature Properties Group. "This is such an important cause and one that is near and dear to our hearts. Unfortunately many of our team members have been impacted personally and this is one way we can give back to the community while honoring our loved ones.”

Walk to End Alzheimer's® participants will complete a two or one-mile walk and enjoy activities for kids, food, music and interaction with Walk sponsors. Before the Walk begins, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about advocacy, clinical trial enrollment and support services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association. Attendees will also honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Neptune Park on Saturday, October 19th. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Walk at 10:30 a.m.

Whether you have been impacted personally or know someone who has, we can all agree that Alzheimer’s disease is heartbreaking. It robs the individual of their memories, independence and overall physical health, while at the same time, devastating families. Events like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® provide hope for our community. By participating in the Walk, you are making a difference in the lives of those affected by supporting the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. 

This year we will all carry a different colored flower signifying why we walk, but one day that will change and the only flower we raise will be white, representing Alzheimer’s first survivor.

To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, visit alz.org/georgia or call 800.272.3900. 

Andrea Mickelson is the Director of Development for the Alzheimer’s Association, Coastal Georgia service area and a resident of the Golden Isles.