This weekend I joined over 1000 walkers in the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The purpose of this event was to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, a non-profit focused on care, support, and research related to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As the sixth leading cause of death in the US, Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured.

To kick off the event, a group from a local nursing home sang the national anthem. Austin City Police Chief Art Acevedo welcomed the walkers, noting that 11% of seniors over age 65 have some form of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Someone read a state proclamation about dementia awareness. After a little zumba and stretching, we were ready to start walking.

The walk was held at Camp Mabry, home to the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard. Our first mile went around the parade grounds and past those planes and helicopters that are next to Rt. 1 / Mopac. Walkers could choose an optional second mile which went through a wooded section of the military base.

Local nursing homes sponsored teams that included their employees plus friends and family members of their residents. To date, this walk has raised over $200,000. Additional donations will be accepted here through December.

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