Teams sought for West Side Walk to End Alzheimer’s

It is the sixth leading cause of death in the US and the only disease among the top 10 that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed….yet. Alzheimer’s has proven to be one of the cruelest diseases: It robs an individual of his or her memory, bit by bit.

The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to find a cure by 2025, to continue to fund its programs of support and care for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, and to promote brain health. Since 1989, Walk to End Alzheimer’s has raised more than $300 million to help advance research and support for those battling Alzheimer’s disease. The event has been ongoing every fall, across the United States.

Locally, the third annual West Side Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21 at All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon, the home of the Lake Erie Crushers. Participants from all over the west side of Cleveland are expected, as are those throughout Lorain County.

“The Alzheimer’s Association is such a valuable resource to so many family members and caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s,” Rob Hubbard, said. “The Westside Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a fun way to help support our friends and family and help give back to an organization that does so much to help anyone with a connection to this disease.”

Hubbard was the vice chair for last year’s 2nd annual Westside walk and was on the steering committee the first year. This year he is on the marketing committee.

Last year, Patch brought you the story of Audrey’s Army and their participation in the West Side Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The team was created by Avon Lake resident Dave Rickey, whose wife Audrey, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.

Two years ago, the Audrey’s Army raised enough funds at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to get entered into a drawing and they won a tour of the Alzheimer’s research center at the Cleveland Clinic.

“It totally opened our eyes,” he said  in 2012, about the tour. “They gave us an update on Alzheimer’s; we got to see the labs and mice. It’s incredible. They’re one of the leading researchers in the country.”

about Audrey’s Army and walking in the event.

It also gave him hope that someday those suffering from Alzheimer’s will have treatment options and possibly a cure. More than 56,000 Northeast Ohioans have been diagnosed with the disease.

About the walk

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an inspiring and community-driven event. Walk participants will enjoy dozens of event festivities throughout the Stadium, including a Kids Zone, and then walk for one or three miles in a unified effort to end Alzheimer’s. The event also serves to educate the community about Alzheimer's disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical trial enrollment and support programs, and services of the Alzheimer’s Association. Each walker will participate in a meaningful tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Interested parties can start or join a team today at http://act.alz.org/walkcle-west or call 216-231-1466. You can also follow the group on Facebook

About Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter serves Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties with offices in Ashtabula, Avon, Beachwood, Chardon and Mentor.  The Association’s 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. The disease currently affects an estimated 5.4 million American adults (about 56,000 in Northeast Ohio) and is the 6th leading cause of death in the country.