Walking for a cure in heart of East Meadow
Long Islanders took to Eisenhower Park this Sunday, for Nassau’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Those participating raised over $288,000 to support the care and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association.
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease — a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York alone, there are more than 410,000 people living with the disease and 546,000 caregivers.
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
“Thank you to everyone that came out to support Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Eisenhower Park,” said Tinamarie Hardekopf, director of development for the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter. “This helps the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease.”
On walk day, participants honored those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.
“It was a beautiful day to raise awareness at Eisenhower Park,” said Ed Miller, co-chair of Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Nassau. “Being part of the walk committee was such an honor as this event will help those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Walk to End Alzheimer’s truly shows that you are not alone.”
Donations towards the Nassau County walk can be made through Dec. 31 at Act.ALZ.org/Nassau.
If anyone missed the walk and wants to raise more awareness, the Long Island University Men’s hockey team will face Pennsylvania State University for the Alzheimer’s Awareness Game on Oct. 7 at the Northwell Ice Rink Arena in East Meadow.
There will be a 50/50 raffle and a drop-the-puck challenge with funds going towards Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
