Walk to End Alzheimer's held this Saturday at Summerfest grounds

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Milwaukee County, the 10th largest event of its kind in the nation, will be held on Sunday, September 17 at Henry Maier Festival Park. A moving Promise Garden tribute to all those whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s will be followed by a beautiful walk around Lakeshore State Park. On-site registration begins at 8:00 a.m., with the walk starting promptly at 10:00 a.m.  Walkers will enjoy complimentary breakfast, music, team photos, a Caregiver Sanctuary tent with resources and respite for hardworking caregivers, and the Purple Clubhouse activity area featuring family activities, temporary tattoos and a silly Purple selfie station. A special Promise Garden tribute will honor everyone whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s.

Walk participants can look forward to a celebration at the walk finish line this year. 4 on the Floor - a classic rock, blues, jazz and variety ensemble, featuring Wisconsin Attorney General, Brad Schimel on bass, will perform on the Briggs & Stratton Stage from about 10:30 to 11:45 am. Light refreshments also will be available. Walkers will enter the festival grounds at the South Gate and proceed to the Briggs and Stratton stage.  Parking is free, courtesy of Milwaukee World Festival.  

“Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States,” said Craig Simpkins, Director of Finance Integration & Transformation – GISC at Johnson Controls and co-chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Milwaukee County.  “We invite everyone in the community to Walk with us, raise critical funds for a disease that currently has no cure, and show your support for the 5 million Americans who are living with it.”  Brian Henning, Director of Competitive Intelligence at Northwestern Mutual is co-chairing the Walk with Simpkins.   The event is also supported by a committee of local community leaders.

In 2016, over $1.1 million was raised by the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Milwaukee County to help individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their families access support and services, including the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline, support groups, research, education and training.

Participants can register, support another walker and get information online at www.alz.org/walk. For questions or assistance, please call 800-272-3900. Registration can also be done the day of the walks, beginning at 8:00 a.m.  The Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

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