Northeast Ohio Walk to End Alzheimer’s events raise $618,000

Three local northeast Ohio events helped the Alzheimer’s Association raise more than $618,000 to support the fight to end Alzheimer’s, according to a news release.

More than 4,700 participants took part in Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s events in Oberlin, Kirtland and Cleveland between Sept. 10 and Oct. 7 in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease, the release said.

The funds will support free local care and for support programs and research.

“Every dollar raised benefits those affected by Alzheimer’s disease in our local community,” said Nancy Udelson, president and CEO, 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.”

The top team fundraisers included Lantern Lobe Trotters (Kirtland) with $11,043; Waugh Walkers (Oberlin) raised $10,834; and Carole’s Team (Cleveland) raised $9,062.

Other awards given on Walk day recognize fundraising leaders in health care, friends and family, company and rookie of the year as well as top individual fundraiser and an

awareness award, Paint the Town Purple.

The event was assisted by local presenting sponsors Lake Health (Kirtland) and Kaplan’s Furniture with Edward Jones serving as national presenting sponsor.

According to the release, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 210,000 people and nearly 600,000 caregivers.

Across the United States, the disease affects more than five million people, making it the sixth-leading cause of death, the release

said.

The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Chapter serves Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties. The Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

For more information, visit www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

MORNING JOURNAL FILE The Billie Jeans, a team at the Oberlin Walk to End Alzheimer’s, pose for a group photo after the one-mile walk on Sept. 23, 2017, at Tappan Square in Oberlin. The event to raise money and awareness had at least 1,000 registered walkers and raised...