On September 13, more than 270 Hoosiers in the Bloomington area participated in the 2020 Bloomington Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Due to COVID-19, participants gathered in small groups or walked as individuals on routes of their choosing, raising more than $86,700.
The funds will go toward local education programs, caregiver support groups, a 24/7 help line staffed by licensed social workers, and continuing research into Alzheimer’s and dementia prevention and treatment.
“Between the economic situation and the fact that so many families are stretched thin as a result of the pandemic, we recognize that this is a difficult year for fundraising,” says Natalie Sutton, executive director of the Greater Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, in a press release. “That’s why we’re so proud of the fact that local sponsors, teams and individuals continued to step up even in the face of that adversity.”
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. More than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, with 16 million family members and friends providing support and care nationwide. In Indiana, 111,000 Hoosiers have Alzheimer’s.
“It isn’t too late to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia,” says Kyle Davern, manager of the Bloomington Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “Fundraising will continue through the end of the year, and every dollar really does count. Just $25 funds a Helpline call, so if five people donate just $5 each, that is enough to help a family in crisis.”
For more information, visit alz.org.
