Rehoboth Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s set Sept. 28

The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, presented by Genesis HealthCare, is expected to draw nearly 900 participants Saturday, Sept. 28, to Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. Preregistered walkers will check in between 8 and 9 a.m. for the Promise Garden Ceremony. The walk to the Boardwalk and back will start at 9:30 a.m. from Grove Park. 

Rain or shine, teams made up of families and friends or company colleagues will walk to raise money for Alzheimer’s care and support programs the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter offers to the estimated 26,000 Delawareans who are affected by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

“We know more than 5,000 residents of Sussex County are living with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder,” said Karen Dawson, Rehoboth Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s volunteer planning committee co-chair, who lost a grandmother to Alzheimer’s. “The dollars raised by Walk to End Alzheimer’s supporters will help fund programs and services such as caregiver support groups, family education workshops, conferences and a 24/7 Helpline for those affected families.”

Alzheimer’s is the sole cause of death among the top 10 that has no cure, and cannot be prevented or even slowed. It kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. There are no Alzheimer’s survivors.

“If you have a brain, you are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” said Jody Trinsey, Delaware Valley Chapter Delaware/South Jersey Walk manager. “The fundraising efforts of our walk teams are vital, because that money also helps fund medical and scientific research to help find a cure.”

The Promise Garden Ceremony will feature hundreds of participants holding a flower that reflects their connection to Alzheimer’s: purple for those who have lost someone to the disease, yellow for anyone providing care for someone with dementia, and blue for those who have Alzheimer’s. An orange flower means there isn’t a connection to the disease, but the holder supports the cause to end Alzheimer’s. There will also be a lone white flower held by a child to symbolize Alzheimer’s first survivor.

Live music will be performed by ‘60s/‘70s band Imagine, featuring Gail and John Garner participating for their 17th consecutive year with the Rehoboth Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 

“Many people ask us why we have chosen this organization. The answer is simple: we want to save precious memories,” said Gail. “Alzheimer’s disease is a thief that sneaks into innocent families to steal memories, family histories, generational stories and relationships. Almost everyone in this country has a relative or knows someone who is battling – or lost the battle to – this disease. We want everyone to help in this journey to find a cure.” 

In addition to local title sponsor Genesis HealthCare, WRDE-Coastal TV returns as the Rehoboth Walk’s television presenting sponsor. The Rehoboth Walk is also made possible by G. & E./Hocker’s, Improved Order of Red Men, Redner’s and Schell Brothers. 

“We encourage all Delawareans to support this important effort and raise dollars to help those who are affected right here in Sussex County,” said Rehoboth Walk co-chair, Morgan Whelan, whose grandmother passed from dementia last November. “Our goal is to lead the way to Alzheimer’s first survivor to make sure families will no longer have to experience the pain of losing a loved one twice.” 

Registration for the Rehoboth Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s is available online at www.alz.org/delval/walk or by calling 800-272-3900.