In 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk started on its path to becoming the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. In the 35 years since then, the name has changed — it’s now called the Walk to End Alzheimer’s — but the mission remains the same.
The pursuit of that mission continues this year with several events scheduled around southeastern Wisconsin, including Sept. 15 at Henry Maier Festival Park on the lakefront. Organizers will invite people into the grounds at 8 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. and a 2-mile walk starting at 10 a.m. The event is one of hundreds held nationwide, including several in the immediate area:
- Sept. 7 — Waukesha
- Sept. 14 — West Bend
- Sept. 15 — Milwaukee
- Sept. 21 — Sheboygan
- Sept. 28 — Port Washington
Milwaukee Brewers play-by-play announcer Jeff Levering is the honorary chair for all 27 events happening around Wisconsin and one of the familiar voices involved with the Milwaukee walk. The host of B93.3’s “Feel Good Mornings With Joe” will serve as master of ceremonies and welcome thousands of attendees helping and honoring those affected by Alzheimer’s.
“I got involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s while my mom, Joan Hudak, was still able to participate, even as she battled Alzheimer’s disease,” said Margo Hudak, co-chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Milwaukee County. “My goal at that time was to raise awareness of the disease within my circle in Milwaukee. After our first walk, it became therapeutic for me to see other families fighting the same fight. It gave me a sense of unity that I greatly needed on the lonely Alzheimer’s journey.”
In addition to the walk that winds through Lakeshore Park, participants will have an opportunity to check out family-friendly activities in the “Purple Clubhouse,” a Caregiver Sanctuary and live music. The event will begin with the Promise Garden ceremony, during which walkers carry a colored flower symbolizing their personal connection to Alzheimer’s.
You can register for the Milwaukee County Walk to End Alzheimer’s via the event’s webpage, or use any of the links above to access the one nearest you. There’s no fee to register, and participants are asked to raise funds in the weeks leading up to the event. For more information, visit the Walk to End Alzheimer’s website.
