Walk to End Alzheimer’s to Take Place at Bird Middle School

The following is a release from The Alzheimer’s Association.

The Alzheimer’s Association announced that the 2012 Neponset Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place at Bird Middle School, 625 Washington Street, Walpole, Massachusetts on Saturday, September 22, 2012 with leadership from local volunteers.

Senator Scott Brown and his wife, Gail Huff, former WCVB news reporter, will serve as honorary chairs.

Jim Pellegrine of Walpole has been tapped by the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter as regional volunteer leader of the Neponset Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Pellegrine, who works in the home care industry, wants to put an end to the debilitating disease after seeing so many families affected by Alzheimer’s.

“The walk is growing every year and we believe this year will continue the trend,” said James Wessler, President/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter. “Local volunteers step up and work hard to make it a powerful experience for everyone who participates.”

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.  As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. The disease has a significant impact on family members, with nearly 15 million providing care to a loved one, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the walk kicks off at 10:00 a.m. on September 22, 2012. The event includes raffles, vendors, food, entertainment and educational opportunities.

“The escalating numbers are alarming and so the need could not be greater to join the fight against Alzheimer’s by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Wessler.  “Funds raised will provide care and support services to our families, friends and neighbors affected by Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to the research that is critical to putting an end to the disease.”

Chapterwide Teams Sponsor is John Moriarty and Associates. Chapterwide Walker Sponsors include Atria Senior Living Group, Benchmark Senior Living, GoldenLiving Centers and Visiting Angels. Chapterwide media partners include WCVB, WBZ News Radio and MAGIC 106.7.

To learn more or to sign-up to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, call 800-272-3900 or visit www.alzwalkMANH.org.