Video of 2024 Walk Kick Off-September 14, 2024
The Genesee/Wyoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s was held at Centennial Park on Saturday morning.
Chairperson Julia Rogers says about 383 walkers were signed up ahead of the walk, there were also walk- up participants. The group’s goal is to raise $108,000 this year. Last year, they raised about $93,000. If you missed the walk today, you are able to still donate over the next few months by following this link: Western New York (WNY) Chapter (alz.org)
“I’m doing it really in memory of my dad and I think that the huge thing for all of to know is that Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect the family. It affects the person, and you feel so heartbroken when their memories aren’t there and then all of a sudden, they have a memory and it’s like a bright light,” says Rogers.
Rogers says the other aspect is the family, friends and caregivers.
“It’s also a drain on them, they sacrifice, they do a lot of things out of pure love for the person. This is also to celebrate the caregivers because they go through a lot of emotions during that time.”
The local Alzheimer’s Association is assisted by the WNY Chapter which is available 24/7 Program-Guide-Summer24-with-LINKS.pdf (alz.org)
The WNY Chapter consists of groups from 6 other counties.
“Obviously, Alzheimer’s doesn’t stop,” says Lynn Hughes, Walk Manager.
“There is no time limit on Alzheimer’s and dementia. What the walkers do is raise awareness and raise funds to help end Alzheimer’s. The walks bring everybody together to celebrate the hope to end Alzheimer’s.”
