Loved ones, caregivers and supporters of Wyomingites living with Alzheimer's disease will join together Saturday, Aug. 24, for the Sweetwater County Walk to End Alzheimer's.
One of seven Alzheimer's Association of Wyoming Walks to End Alzheimer's in 2024, the Walk in Rock Springs will raise funds to provide essential services to families and support research to find a cure. The Walk has a fundraising goal of $23,000. Collectively, the seven Wyoming Walks have a target of $150,000.
There are 10,300 Wyomingites among more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's, the seventh-leading cause of death and the only leading disease without a prevention or cure.
"The toll from Alzheimer's disease is rising relentlessly, and will continue to do so until we find a cure," said Susie Von Ahrens, board chair of the Alzheimer's Association of Wyoming and the chair of the Rock Springs Walk. "Every dollar we can raise for research to find a cure is an investment in our health and that of future generations."
The proceeds from the Walks are the primary source of funds for the Alzheimer's Association of Wyoming, enabling it to continue to provide the information, programs and services for those who receive an Alzheimer's diagnosis, as well as services for their family and caregivers. All of those services are provided at no charge.
Walks also support research to find a cure. The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading non-profit funder of Alzheimer's research. Currently, it is funding 1,000 projects with over $360 million in 53 countries on six continents.
The Sweetwater County Walk to End Alzheimer's will be on Saturday, August 24 at Bunning Park in Rock Springs. Registration and a pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Rock Springs Kiwanis, begins at 8 a.m. and the walk ceremony will begin at 10, a.m. followed by music by the EIO band and raffle items.
To register, volunteer or make a donation to any of the seven Wyoming Walks to End Alzheimer's, go to http://www.alz.org/walk. For more information, call the free 24/7 Alzheimer's Association Helpline at 800-272-3900, or contact Alizee Gervais at algervais@alz.org.
Local sponsors include Brown Family Foundation, Genesis Alkali, Evergreen North American Industrial Services, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, Mission Health Services, Deer Trail Assisted Living & Memory Care, Radiant Manufacturing, Industrial Systems Consulting, the City of Rock Springs, Kiwanis Club of Rock Springs, The Radio Network, State Farm-Amber Kramer, White Mountain Lumber and Vaughn's Plumbing & Heating as well as multiple sponsors and participants who supported the Association's golf tournament in June.
Key facts about Alzheimer's disease:
- 10,300 Wyomingites are among 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease
- Alzheimer's kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined
- Since 2000, deaths from Alzheimer's have increased 145%, while deaths from heart disease have declined 7%
- Women make up two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's – and two-thirds of the family caregivers
- In Wyoming alone, more than 16,000 family and friends are serving as unpaid caregivers, providing an estimated 21 million hours of support in 2023 valued at nearly $385 million
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