After receiving an optimistic update about the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease, more than 100 completed a mile walk through downtown Centralia as part of this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Educator Tron Young returned to his hometown to MC the event held at the Bell Tower Park.
“Currently in the United States, more than 6 million people, including more than 230,000 folks right here in Illinois are living with Alzheimer’s and over 11 million individuals are serving as their unpaid caregivers. And dementia is one of the most costly conditions to society. Alzheimer’s is destroying our families, our finances, and our future and it is time to end it.”
Young says that is happening with their help, with the Alzheimer’s Association contributing $ 360 million to more than 1,000 of the most promising research projects.
“There are multiple FDA-approved treatments that can change the course of Alzheimer’s in a meaningful way for people in the early stages of the disease and more potential treatments down the pipeline. This is amazing progress that could mean more time for those of our loved ones who are facing Alzheimer’s.”
The walk was led by Casey holding a white flower designating the first person in the future who is successfully cured of Alzheimer’s. All those in the walk held a flower designating how they were impacted by the disease.
As of Monday morning, the walk’s website shows that $28,031 has been raised so far toward the $30,000 goal. Additional donations are expected to help the walk reach its goal. Helia Healthcare of Salem was recognized as the top fundraising team with $5,000 raised. Regina Dehn was honored as top individual fundraiser, raising $1,500.
Casey leads off the Walk to End Alzheimer’s with a white flag to symbolize the first person who will be cured of the disease. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s Diseases moves through downtown Centralia on Saturday. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Master of Ceremonies Tron Young takes a selfie of himself with the crowd of participants behind him. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
