Details Announced For Annual Twin Ports Walk To End Alzheimer’s In Duluth

Sadly, more than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease, which is a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

In Minnesota alone, there are more than 99,000 people aged 65+ living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It is estimated that by 2025 this number will reach 120,000 Minnesotans.

On Monday, the Alzheimer’s Association invited Duluth area residents to join the fight for a different future by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®. They note that this inspirational event is one of more than 600 in the country taking place this fall to help the Association fund its local no-cost support groups and educational programs, research efforts around the globe, and advocacy efforts on behalf of families impacted by dementia and Alzheimer’s.

They add that it's a new era with Alzheimer’s treatments advancing, so walkers are fighting for a different future for families facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia. They also walk in honor of loved ones impacted by the disease and future generations.

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The Twin Ports Walk To End Alzheimer's will be held on Saturday, September 9 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Check-in will begin at 1:00 p.m. and the opening ceremony is at 2:00 p.m. The Promise Garden ceremony is where walkers hold a colored flower representing their connection to the cause. They may have lost someone (purple), be fighting the disease (blue), be a caregiver (yellow), or be a supporter of the cause (orange). The walk will begin after the opening ceremony.

Aubrey Hagen is the walk’s honorary family member, who stated:

“I walk in honor of my mom, Jodi, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s when I was just 21 years old. My mom was my best friend. So often this disease makes you feel powerless. I am proud to be taking action as a longstanding volunteer of the Alzheimer’s Association.”

All participants are encouraged to register early and fundraise to help the Alzheimer’s Association reach its $200,000 goal. Registration is free and each person gets their own personal fundraising web page that is easy to edit and share.

At the time the Twin Ports Walk To End Alzheimer's information was released, there were 263 people and 79 teams that had already registered to attend. That's a great start, but more people are certainly needed and all are truly appreciated.