Alzheimer’s walk coming soon

Published 6:58 pm Saturday, August 1, 2015

Alfreda Russell and Barbara Peterson, members of the Planters Peanuts team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, set off on the walk from Constant’s Wharf last year. This year’s walk is coming up on Sept. 19.

Alfreda Russell and Barbara Peterson, members of the Planters Peanuts team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, set off on the walk from Constant’s Wharf last year. This year’s walk is coming up on Sept. 19.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s for Western Tidewater is coming to Suffolk next month.

That’s right, it’s already August, unbelievably. That gives only about one and a half months for people to raise money for the cause.

That’s still plenty of time, though, said Sean Shields, a communications specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association.

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“With our event, it’s always about the fund-raising you do beforehand,” Shields said. “The other part of it is everybody coming out and showing solidarity and trying to promote getting this disease cured.”

The Suffolk walk will take place on Sept. 19 starting at Constant’s Wharf, 110 E. Constance Road. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m., with the two-mile walk setting off at 10 a.m.

So far, about 21 percent of the walk’s goal of about $42,000 has been reached, according to the website. Twenty teams and 64 walkers are registered.

There’s still plenty of time to raise awareness and money, Shields said.

“Right now, the awareness is the most important thing,” he said. “We’ve really been focusing on getting the word out in Suffolk.”

There’s only seven weeks until the walk, but it’s not too late to start raising money, Shields said. The association offers several easy ways for participants to raise money.

Walk participants can obtain books of 20 raffle tickets for a 2015 Toyota Camry donated by Pearson Toyota. Each ticket costs $5.

“With only 20,000 tickets, your odds are better than the lottery,” Shields said, adding that, for many people, it’s easier to raise money when they’re selling a ticket and a chance to win rather than just asking for money.

The drawing will be done live on the “Hampton Roads Show” on Nov. 11.

Participants also get a personal fundraising page where they can ask far-flung family and friends for donations and also can do any sort of fundraiser such as car washes, bake sales, spirit nights at local restaurants and the like.

“People do all the usual stuff,” Shields said.

Those who aren’t able to participate in the walk can still help by donating online, Shields added. They also can use social media to their advantage.

“The sharing builds awareness,” he said. “It’s something you can do with your index finger.”

For more information or to register, visit alz.org/walk.