Alzheimer’s Association to hold walk to end Alzheimer’s on October 5

The Alzheimer’s Association invites Fond du Lac County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on October 5, 2024, at Fond du Lac High School, 801 Campus Drive, Fond du Lac.

The event opens at 8:30 a.m., with the Opening Ceremony at 9:40 a.m., immediately followed by the Walk at 10:00 a.m. TNT Fitness and Sports Performance will kick off the event by leading an energizing warm-up session to get everyone ready for the walk.

As walkers head out, the Horace Mann High School Band will be there to pump up the energy and bring everyone together. The band will also be there to welcome walkers back, creating a lively atmosphere from start to finish.

After the walk, participants can relax and enjoy a musical performance by Joe Schneider, offering a perfect way to unwind and celebrate the day’s efforts.
And a special thank you goes to A&W for being onsite with their famous root beer floats, available for a donation, to refresh and reward walkers for their dedication.

The Walk is chaired by Dan Weidert, a retired wildlife biologist and American Red Cross volunteer; Pam Sippel, Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac; Penny Collin, K-12 Partnership Coordinator at Moraine Park Technical College; and Beth Atkinson Schultz, a social worker.

“My family, friends, and I walk on Team Blondie in honor of my mom, Lorraine, who we lost to dementia after a 15-year battle. Since my first Walk in 2019, my heart won’t allow me to be anywhere
else on the first Saturday of October than at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Fond du Lac County. If you know or love someone affected by Alzheimer’s or other dementia, please join us in this celebration of hope for the first survivor. Your heart will thank you!” said Dan Weidert, Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Fond du Lac County Co-Chair.

As advancements in Alzheimer’s treatments continue, participants are stepping forward to create a brighter future for families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. They walk to honor their loved
ones battling the disease, those they have lost, and to support future generations. The event starts with the touching Promise Garden ceremony, where walkers carry a colored flower symbolizing their personal connection to the disease.

More than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Wisconsin, more than 110,000 people are living with the disease and serving as unpaid caregivers. In Fond du Lac County alone, more than 2,670 individuals age 65 and older are living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association is also excited to share that Jeff Levering, a sportscaster covering the Milwaukee Brewers, will be the Honorary Chair for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s supporting all 27 Wisconsin walks. Having Jeff Levering as our Honorary Chair brings a sense of unity and hope to our efforts, and his involvement inspires our community to come together in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: act.alz.org/fonddulac. Pre-registration is encouraged. For questions or assistance, please contact Dedra Devereaux, Senior Manager, Walk to End Alzheimer’s at dedevereaux@alz.org or 414.775.7556.

The Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter thanks the numerous volunteers and sponsors of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, including National Presenting Sponsor Edward Jones and statewide media
partner LocaliQ. Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’sis the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead 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. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.