Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - More than 2,000 Broward County area residents joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease on October 13 at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. Participants raised nearly $300,000 to fund Alzheimer's care, support and research programs. 

“We are incredibly thankful to the Broward community for their support,” said Joel Robinson, development manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter. “The funds raised at this event support local support programs for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. We can’t thank the community enough for helping us bring awareness and funds to fight this fatal disease.”

Financial Strategies Group was the top fundraising team at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising more than $21,000. Scott Thaler of team Arnie’s Army was named top individual fundraiser after raising more than $7,000. Miami Jewish Health Systems was the official sponsor of this year’s walk. 

Kenny Walker from 102.7 The Beach welcomed participants during the opening ceremony and served as emcee for the Walk. State Representative Patricia Williams addressed the crowd during the opening ceremony, which also included moving tributes from families affected by Alzheimer’s. 

“I walk for my mom, for my dad, in honor of their memory,” said Mary Ann Watson, Walk Committee Chair. “But more so I walk to bring awareness to be a part of the solution. I walk for my husband and my children. I walk for my children’s children. I am proud to walk as a nurse educator, I walk with a loud voice, as a pioneer, as a warrior to END Alzheimer’s. To stop the disease from taking so many lives and changing whole families.”

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Besides completing the 2-mile walk, participants were able to learn more about Alzheimer's disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs and services. Walk participants also honored those affected by Alzheimer's disease with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony.    

In Florida alone, there are more than 547,000 people living with the disease and 1.1 million caregivers. Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 16 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Donations are still being collected. For more information about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and to make a donation, visit alz.org/walk.

Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.  

Alzheimer's Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support.  Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org ® or call 800.272.3900.