APPLETON (NBC 26) — The annual Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is returning to the Fox Cities this Saturday, October 2nd. Held in more than 600 communities nationwide every year, the Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support, and research.
The event will take place at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium and will open at 8:30 a.m.
For those battling the disease, the walk is a place where they can find a network of support. Appleton resident Penny Selin is a long-distance caregiver for her 87-year-old mother who is living with dementia. She has driven over 50 miles from Appleton to Fon du Lac once a week for the last two years in order to keep her mother in the comfort of her own home.
"She was kind of a stay-at-home mom. She’d just get small odd jobs so that she could be there for us kids," Selin said. "She worked at the school system which I also do now so we have a lot in common it seems like. With what she’s done for me, I can give back.”
Selin will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Appleton for the first time this year.
“I think it will be interesting because I’m up in Appleton and I don’t have anyone that I know that’s going through this,” Selin said.
There are 27 walks across Wisconsin each fall. It’s the Alzheimer's Association of Wisconsin’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
“Everybody picks up their promise garden flower," said walk director Cari Josephson. "Each different color represents something different whether you are a caregiver, whether you have Alzheimer’s yourself, whether you’ve lost someone to Alzheimer’s or whether you’re an advocate for Alzheimer’s and dementia support.”
Selin says she joined the walk to raise awareness for those like her mother who are living with Alzheimer’s.
“Dementia isn’t a death sentence and it’s not automatically go to the home,” Selin said.
“For the people who attend it really is a nice day to come together and have the support of other people," Josephson said. "They’re all going through a similar journey and it’s just nice to know that you’re not in this alone and to have that supportive group around you."
While there is no fee to register for the walk, all participants are encouraged to donate. All proceeds go toward the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment, and, ultimately, a cure.
This year, the walk will implement safety protocols such as social distancing, contact-less registration, and hand sanitizing stations. Per CDC guidelines, organizers ask that all attendees be vaccinated against COVID-19 or wear a mask when in an overcrowded area. Masks will be available on-site.
You can register for the walk or make a donation at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Fox Cities page.
