Walk to End Alzheimer’s raises more than $123,000

Nearly 700 participants from 89 teams gathered on Tappan Square on Sept. 22 to join in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease, according to a news release.

Working together, the teams collectively raised $123,600 in the Oberlin Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s donations are being accepted through Dec. 31 at https://tinyurl.com/yazh4n3g and the event is expected to reach its goal of $184,000.

“Every dollar raised, benefits those affected by Alzheimer’s disease in our local community,” said Nancy Udelson, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter. “These critical funds provide care and support to all facing Alzheimer’s; drive research toward treatment, prevention and ultimately, a cure; and give voice to the needs and rights of people affected by Alzheimer’s.”

Kaplan’s Furniture was the local presenting sponsor, according to the release. Hope sponsors were WOBL/WDLW and Physician’s Ambulance. The top individual fundraiser was James Traxler with $8,010; the top team fundraiser was Karen’s Karegivers at $8,575. Other awards included: Top Healthcare Team: Home Instead Senior Care, Lorain County; Top Company Team: Kaplan’s Team; Rookie of the Year: Fit’z Flock; Overall Largest Team: Kendal at Oberlin with 58 team members.

In Ohio alone, there are more than 220,000 people living with the disease and more than 600,000 caregivers providing unpaid care and support, according to the release.

In the United States, more than 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading cause of death, the release said.

The disease is the only one among the top 10 causes of death that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed, according to the release.

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

In 2018, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $277 billion, the release said.

Early and accurate diagnosis could save up to $7.9 trillion in medical and care costs, according to the release.

KEITH REYNOLDS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Participants set off on their walk Sept. 22 as part of the annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Tappan Square in Oberlin.