The Wrightsville Beach community will aim to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association this weekend during its Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
The family-friendly, 2-mile walk will include live entertainment, snacks and activities for children. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Wrightsville Beach Park. All walkers will then participate in a ceremony honoring those who are affected by the disease before beginning the walk at 9:30 a.m.
The Alzheimer’s Association website states the Promise Garden ceremony will be a time for the community to identify their history with Alzheimer’s and commit to remember, honor, care and fight the disease. Participants will receive a color-coded flower on which they can write a personal message or dedication related to the disease.
Those carrying blue flowers have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, purple flowers are for those who have lost a loved one to the disease, yellow flowers represent caregivers for victims of Alzheimer’s and orange flowers are for anyone who is committed to ending the disease.
While there is no registration fee for the event, the association asks participants to donate and pledge to raise money for the nonprofit organization. The funds will be used for care, support and research for victims of Alzheimer’s.
In an Oct. 2 press release, the Alzheimer’s Association states it is a disease that currently affects more than 5 million Americans and is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Part of the association’s mission for the walk is to educate participants on the latest research, clinical trials, support programs and services available related to Alzheimer’s.
