Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Lexington Raises More Than $250,000

The money has been counted and the more than 2,000 residents from the Lexington area who joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Aug. 25 raised more than $250,000 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.

“The generous donations allow us to continue the support of research for a cure as well as provide programs and services to families in our community and fund our 24-hour helpline,” said DeeAnna Esslinger, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter.

“Every 65 seconds, another person in the United States develops the disease, and every dollar counts for finding a cure.”

The top fundraising team was “Addie,” which generated more than $16,000. Team captain Linda Parker lost her mom, Addie, in 2012 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Walk participants in downtown Lexington did more than turn in their fundraising dollars and complete the two-mile Walk route. They were entertained by the mascots from the University of Kentucky, Wildcat and Scratch, in between learning more about Alzheimer’s disease and how to further get involved with this critical cause: from advocacy opportunities and clinical studies to support programs and other services.

Lexington Mayor Jim Gray and Congressman Andy Barr spent time visiting with the crowd before the emotional “promise garden ceremony” – a tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s in their lives.

Mayor Gray shared his own personal experience with the disease and why he continues to support our cause.

In Kentucky alone, more than 71,000 people and 270,000 caregivers live with the disease. In the U.S., more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed.

Additionally, more than 16 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Even though the 2018 Walk is over, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is accepting donations through the end of the year at alz.org/walk.