Walk to End Alzheimer’s Set Saturday

The 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer’s/Oktoberfest will take place Saturday at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. This is a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) walk and will be held rain or shine.

Although participants can register individually, team registration is crucial for the organization to reach its goal this year of raising $400,000 during this event. Registration and breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony and a 9/11 tribute at 10 a.m. The walk starts at 11 a.m. 

With more than 5 million Americans living with this disease — 60,000 of whom live on Long Island — Alzheimer’s disease is a growing issue as people are beginning to live longer. Walks to End Alzheimer’s have raised more than $347 million to help the cause since 1989. All donations go to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. 

Walkers who raise $100 or more will receive a 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer’s T-shirt and tote bag. The goal this year is to raise $400,000. For those who wish to participate in the walk but are not part of the fundraising efforts, registration is $20 per adult, $10 for teens 13-18, and $5 for children 2-12.

“This is a fun and easy way to get the family together to help raise money and promote awareness about Alzheimer’s disease here on Long Island, said Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer’s Association Long Island. "It is important that we continue research that will enable better treatments so we can start fighting back, and also help fund programs and services for Long Island families who are currently coping with the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

"The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will help us to move a step closer to our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease,” Malack-Ragona said.

Sponsorship and vendor opportunities and Mini Walk event sites are also available. Please call (631) 820-8068 for more information or visitwww.alz.org/longisland.