GENESEE/WYOMING COUNTIES/Walk to End Alzheimer’s moves to Centennial Park for this year’s walk

Video- Kick off of Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Centennial Park in Batavia on September 16, 2023

Centennial Park in Batavia was host to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the first time this year. The walk was previously held at Dwyer Stadium. Event Chairperson, Julia Rogers, says the event is more festival like.

“People can see us in action. That was the biggest purpose for doing it here. We wanted to get the community more involved.”

“This year we decided to change venues and have it at Centennial Park. We have a circle layout so everyone can enjoy and see all the aspects of the walk,” says Lynn Hughes, Alzheimer Association Event Manager.

Rogers says everyone can see the entertainment, basket raffle and refreshments area.

With about 394 people signed up to walk and several people at walk up registration, the planning committee is hoping to reach their goal of raising $95,000. Currently, they are at about $75,000 raised. If you were unable to attend today, it’s not too late to donate, the link below will remain open until December 2023.

Link to donate below.

2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Genesee/Wyoming Counties, NY | Walk to End Alzheimer’s

“The big purpose this year is for everyone to tell their story. The belief is that the more people tell their story, the more connections are made, and the more advocacy we can have to find a cure,” Rogers says.

Hughes says right now we are on the cusp of new medications that actually stop the disease. Alzheimer’s is one of the leading diseases of death.

“It’s a very exciting time. The medications are not just masking the symptoms, they’re actually stopping amyloid plaques in the brain. There is more awareness, more funding, and more people know, so the more we can raise for research and development.”

Rogers says the community is involved a lot more this year with National Honor Society students and nursing homes getting involved.

“We’re a great committee and this really has been a grassroots effort.”