Nearly $173,000 Raised During Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Sarasota

More than 1,070 residents from Sarasota/Manatee joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota/Manatee. Participants raised more than $172,755 to support the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association, leaving them 60% shy of their goal of $436,000. Fundraising will continue through December 31, 2019.

“Alzheimer’s is destroying our families, our finances and our future,” says Ryan Smith, Alzheimer’s Association Development Manager. “It’s time to end it. Saturday was a beautiful day filled with support, strength and passion to end this disease. We thank the Sarasota/Manatee community for participating in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Sarasota/Manatee and we hope to see everyone, and more, next year!”

Two-time CMA Award nominee, Lulu from 92.1 CTQ welcomed Walk participants and served as emcee for the morning’s festivities. Edward Jones Financial Advisor Laura Lynch was also in attendance and a part of the opening ceremony. The moving ceremony also featured several local families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, such as Ed Patterson who held the blue flower, signifying his current battle against the disease.

Bob Clay, member of Team SBC Striders shared his experience from this year’s Walk. “Our Walk team members have all been impacted by Alzheimer’s, whether it be through a friend or family member that have died or are currently living with the disease,” said Bob. “I want to help find a cure for this disease and I will continue to support the Alzheimer’s Association in their efforts to end Alzheimer’s.” Team SBC Striders has been involved with Walk for four years. All of Team SBC Striders’ fundraising efforts are done through word of mouth and close connections with family and friends. Currently, they are the top fundraising team at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Sarasota/Manatee, raising nearly $23,000.

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Florida alone, there are more than 560,000 people living with the disease and 1.1 million caregivers.