Northwest Ohio raises over $656,000 at Alzheimer’s Walks

        Rain or shine, over 2,600 registrants and 434 teams from the Northwest Ohio community showed up to walk at eight local Walk to End Alzheimer’s events, raising more than $656,000 to provide care, support and services of the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter that are available free to the community.
        “We had a tremendous showing of generous residents, families, businesses and individuals who are passionate about ending Alzheimer's disease at our local Walks, including 187 champion club members who donated $500 or more,” said Vince McGrail, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio and Central Ohio Chapters.
        “As we enter a new era of treatment, the funds raised will provide needed care, programs and services locally, as well as advance research toward methods of prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and, eventually, a cure,” said McGrail.
        As of Oct. 27, $656,799 of this year’s fundraising goal of $710,000 has been raised by 2,610 participants who walked 3,651 miles during local events that concluded with the Toledo Walk on Oct. 14.
        The community is encouraged to donate to one of the local Northwest Ohio Walks, teams or individuals at alz.org/nwohio/walk. Contributions can be made through Dec. 31.
        “Our annual Walks ensure that more than 220,000 Ohioans living with Alzheimer’s, and their 493,000 caregivers currently fighting this devastating disease receive the support they desperately need,” McGrail said.
        According to the Alzheimer's Association’s “2023 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures,” more than 6.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease — a leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately one in nine people 65 and older is living with Alzheimer’s, and one in three seniors die of dementia.
        Nationwide, more than 600 Walks to End Alzheimer’s take place across the U.S. each fall, making it the world’s largest fundraising event. Donations support the Association’s free educational programs and support groups, family/caregiver care services and advances research in methods of prevention, early diagnosis and treatments.
        To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other related dementia, or to access free tools and resources, visit alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
        Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419-537-1999 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources.