Locals ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s,’ give to ongoing support services

By Matthew Nash • October 9, 2024 1:30 am

Approximately 125 people walked around Carrie Blake Community Park on Saturday to raise awareness and support for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s event with the Alzheimer’s Association.

Walk manager Maddy Carr said walkers and 10 sponsors/exhibitors raised more than $35,000 on Oct. 5 with a goal of $60,000 to support education resources, services such as a 24/7 help line, scientific research and more.

Donations can be made at act.alz.org/nop.

The approximate 1.2- and 2.5-mile non-competitive walking event is one of 15 events in Washington state this year, with an overall goal to raise $1.9 million statewide, Carr said.

The North Olympic Peninsula event raised $50,000 last year, she said.

Nationwide, there are nearly seven million people living with Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that causes the brain to shrink, brain cells to eventually die, and affect a person’s ability to function, according to the Mayo Clinic. It’s also the most common cause of dementia.

The North Olympic Peninsula walk has been going for at least a decade, Carr said, and taking place the last two years in Carrie Blake Community Park.

Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash Walkers begin the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in Carrie Blake Community Park on Oct. 5. Organizers estimate they raised about $35,000 so far for research and support services for Alzheimer’s disease. Donations can still be made at act.alz.org/nop.

Art Moore with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church begins the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 5. He was one of 120-plus participants in the event in Carrie Blake Community Park.