This fall, more than 1,100 individuals on 231 teams met at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs for a fun, yet serious event

– the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This was one of hundreds of events held nationwide, where purpled-garbed families, professional caregivers and others joined to signal support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, a dementia condition that affects an estimated 7 million Americans and a disease that can devastate the health of individuals and overwhelm families caring for them.

When the festivities ended at Memorial Park, an impressive $268,000 had been raised at just the Colorado Springs event.

The Objective of this Walk

Walks to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s began in 1989. Each year, the walks have grown as more families are affected by this challenging disease. Kudos to the Alzheimer’s Association for creating an annual theme for this nationwide event, garnering sponsors, organizing teams, and making it easy to gather donations.

Considering the work that went into our efforts at Jackson Creek Senior Living to organize our team of residents, caregivers and family members, it is an impressive feat for a global organization with state and local chapters to pull off. To spruce things up at Jackson Creek, we hosted a pet parade and dog wash fundraiser with raffle baskets, photo booth and costume contest. And to keep the pet theme going, we were the official “Dog Zone” booth sponsor at the Memorial Park walk.

In addition to sharing a day with others impacted by this disease, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s serves five practical reasons:

• Fundraising for Research and Support.

The primary goal is to raise money to fund research aimed at finding treatments, improving care and eventually finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. The funds also help provide services and support for individuals living with the disease and their families. It funds scientists working on experimental treatments, clinical trials, and innovative research programs globally.

• Raising Awareness. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The walks help raise awareness about the challenges of Alzheimer’s, the need for early detection, and the importance of funding research. Funds support public awareness campaigns that educate people about Alzheimer’s disease, early warning signs, risk reduction, and available services.

• Community Building and Support. These events bring together people affected by Alzheimer’s. The sense of community can offer emotional support, reduce the stigma of the disease, and help those affected feel less isolated. Support includes free educational programs, support groups, and helplines. These services help individuals cope with the emotional, financial, and medical challenges associated with Alzheimer’s.

• Advocacy and Training.

Many Alzheimer’s walks are part of broader advocacy campaigns. Participants use these events to push for effective healthcare policy, funding for research, and care for those affected by the disease. Caregivers often need specialized training to manage Alzheimer’s patients, so part of the funds are used to provide resources and training to family members and professional caregivers.

• Symbolic Commitment. Holding the walks every fall serves as a reminder of the ongoing campaign against Alzheimer’s and reinforces the commitment of those involved to continue the fight.

We know at Jackson Creek that it’s a hustle to organize our team to volunteer their time and coordinate with residents and families to participate in this annual event. But if you could see the smiles and tears shared on this day, you’d know it was a day well spent.