Courtesy photo.
The Alzheimer’s Association is moving forward with plans to host the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in person this fall, in five different locations throughout the California Central Coast:
• West Ventura County on Saturday, Sept. 25
• Santa Maria on Saturday, Oct. 2
• East Ventura County on Saturday, Oct. 23
• San Luis Obispo on Saturday, Oct. 30
• Santa Barbara on Saturday, Nov. 6
According to the association, the health and safety of all participants remains the top priority as decisions are being made in all walk markets regarding event details.
“It has been a time of isolation for many of our families, and I know this year’s Walk will truly be a celebration of being able to gather again for a cause we all believe in: a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” said Sonya Branco, director of development for the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter.
In addition to planning the in-person event, the Alzheimer’s Association will continue to offer options to participate in Walk to End Alzheimer’s online and in your neighborhood.
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s was recently ranked as the second largest fundraising event in the country by total revenue, as announced by the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum in their top 30 rankings of 2020.
Despite the changes to this event due to the pandemic, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s raised more than $67 million last year in more than 600 participating communities across the country. The five Walks hosted by the California Central Coast Chapter raised a combined total of $406,535. The money raised by Walk funds Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.
The 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s planning committees are led by local volunteers who are passionate about connecting with their community to support the cause.
“This disease is tragically impacting so many families in our community,” said Pedro Chavez, co-chair for the West Ventura County Walk. “In particular, it’s disproportionately affecting women and people of color. By working together, we can reduce its stigma by informing and educating our diverse community about the resources available to help improve the lives of those living with the disease.”
Many committee members are involved in sharing Alzheimer’s Association resources after having benefited from them in the past.
“When my husband and I needed help after he was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s, the Alzheimer’s Association was an incredible resource for us both,” said Val Ferrero, co-chair for the San Luis Obispo Walk. “As Walk chair, I’m looking forward to meeting more of the Alzheimer’s community in our county and helping them connect with the available resources.”
The ability to safely gather for this year’s Walk is much anticipated after the 2020 Walk, in which participants walked in small groups or as individuals within their own neighborhoods, tracks and trails.
“I’m especially excited about being able to walk with the entire community once again,” said Donald Bock, logistics chair for the Santa Maria Walk. “Community participation is not only integral to the Walk, but it generates the necessary enthusiasm for caregivers to continue in their service of providing assistance to those suffering with this insidious disease.”
The planning committees are still seeking compassionate and caring volunteers to play a leadership role in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. To join the committee or to be part of this event, visit alz.org/walk.
About the Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. The California Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association serves San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. For more information, visit alz.org/CaCentralCoast or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.