Raleigh residents are invited to lace up their favorite pair of Hoka shoes and take part in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 4, at Halifax Mall in downtown Raleigh. Presented by McKee Homes, the event is organized by the Alzheimer’s Association’s Eastern North Carolina Chapter and aims to rally the community in the fight against a disease that affects millions of families nationwide. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., followed by the Opening Ceremony at 10 a.m. and the walk immediately after.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Christine John-Fuller, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association—Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”
One of the most moving aspects of the day is the Promise Garden ceremony, where participants hold colorful pinwheel flowers that represent their personal connection to the cause—honoring loved ones and symbolizing unity in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Seth Asbill, financial advisor at Edward Jones and co-chair of this year’s walk, emphasized the importance of participation. “I am honored and proud to lead this year’s Walk with my fellow co-chair Scott Smith, director at Integra Realty Resources, and support the Alzheimer’s Association in its mission and efforts to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research,” he said. “We look forward to bringing our community together for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease. We are closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, we need as many people involved as possible.”
The numbers are staggering: more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, with nearly 12 million family members and friends providing care. In North Carolina alone, over 210,000 people are affected, and more than 381,000 caregivers dedicate their time and energy to support them. Wake County’s prevalence rate stands at 11.3% among residents age 65 and older.
This year, 17 walks are scheduled across North Carolina, including in Charlotte, Asheville, Greensboro, Wilmington, Winston-Salem, and right here in the Triangle. Local businesses such as Biogen, Inc. are joining McKee Homes in supporting the event. Those interested in participating, volunteering, or forming a team can visit act.alz.org/TriangleNC or call 800-272-3900 for more information.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s has grown into the world’s largest event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Since 1989, millions have joined the cause, and the momentum continues as communities like Raleigh come together to take meaningful steps toward a future without Alzheimer’s.
