1,200 supporters join Alzheimer’s Walk in Boca Raton
Amy Adaniel said she knows what it’s like to lose a family member to Alzheimer’s as both her grandfather and aunt died from the disease.
She was one of more than 1,200 people impacted by Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia who recently participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Boca Raton at South County Regional Park.
“I am also the face of somebody with mild cognitive impairment,” said Adaniel, who walked with daughter Shayna. “So, I had a reason to walk prior, walking for my grandfather and aunt who passed away due to Alzheimer’s.
“Now my why is trying to promote awareness, education, early detection and research to help those struggling with and those caring for people with Alzheimer’s.”
Families walked for those living and lost to the disease and to raise funds for research, care and support programs through the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida chapter.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the event, which has raised more than $3 million since 2014. One in eight Florida seniors is estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s. While there is no cure, new treatments recently approved by the FDA have been shown to slow progression in the early stages.
“I walk in memory of my mom because I promised her I would never stop fighting for a cure,” said Brett Lewis, with Team Sassy Moms.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that impacts thinking, memory and behavior.
More than 6 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 Florida, there are more than 580,000 people living with the disease and 827,000 caregivers.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s Boca Raton was locally sponsored by Cross County Healthcare. Together, participants have raised nearly $460,000 with a goal of $550,000. Donations are still being accepted through Dec. 31.
Visit alz.org/BocaRatonWalk.