The Westchester Walk to End Alzheimer’s was held on Sunday, Oct. 4, but it was different than previous years. Instead of a large gathering at SUNY Purchase,
participants walked in neighborhoods throughout Westchester in small groups following a virtual opening ceremony. A cellphone app tracked walkers’ steps and offered encouragement along the way.
There was also a Car Caravan, in which people with their cars decorated in purple for Alzheimer’s Awareness drove from White Plains Eastview Middle
School to The Ambassador of Scarsdale, where a Drive-By Promise Garden was set up. The Promise Garden is a regular part of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
People select flowers in four colors representing their relationship to the disease that they either carry with them while walking or “plant” in a “garden” at the walk site. To protect everyone’s health this year, however, the Promise Garden was set up by a small number of socially distanced volunteers so people could drive by it without leaving their cars.
To date, the Westchester Walk has raised 57% of its goal of $650,000. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 31. Those who weren’t able to walk on Oct. 4 can still register at WestchesterWalk.org, where participants can watch a Pep Rally that was held before Walk Day, as well as the Opening Ceremony
from Oct. 4. A Virtual Walk Celebration will also be held on Nov. 5.
Funds raised support programs and services
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter is offering its programs and services online and by phone. These
include care consultations, where families affected by dementia can speak with a licensed social worker about helpful community resources as well as support
groups where caregivers, family members and people in the early stage of the disease can share their experiences with others who understand.
The chapter also offers free educational and social webinars for Westchester walk to end Alzheimer’s held with new format the general public and families
living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. For specific dates and times when support groups, educational and social webinars are offered, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley or call the 24/7 hotline 800-272-3900 to register. Pre-recorded online educational programs are also available.
About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness
and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
About the Hudson Valley Chapter
The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan,
Ulster and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org.For more information, contact
Communications Manager Dugan Radwin at dradwin@alz.org or 845-591-4770. (Submitted)
