Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's� on track to raise record $335,000

– Over 2,500 residents from eastern Iowa joined the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's and united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions on Saturday, September 22nd in Cedar Rapids and Waterloo and Sunday, September 23rd in Iowa City and Decorah. Participants raised over $310,000 to date to fund Alzheimer's care, support and research programs. Event coordinators are still collecting donations and look to raise a chapter-wide record of $335,000 in total from the area events.

“I was inspired by all of the eastern Iowa residents who came out to unite in the fight against Alzheimer's disease at our area Walk to End Alzheimer's events,” said Kelly Hauer, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association East Central Iowa Chapter. “With funds raised, the Alzheimer's Association will be able to provide much needed care and support to people affected by the disease as well as fund critically needed Alzheimer's research.”

Walk to End Alzheimer's participants did more than complete a two to three mile walk. They learned more about Alzheimer's disease and the Association's critical role in the fight against it, including the latest about Alzheimer's research and current clinical trials, how they can become involved in advocacy efforts at home and in Washington, DC and the Association's support programs and services. The events also included live music and an emotional tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer's.

The 2012 Statewide Presenting Sponsor is Care Initiatives. Hope Sponsors include Rockwell Collins and Good Samaritan Society of Northeast Iowa. Official Media Sponsors include KGAN CBS 2, Fox 28, 104.5FM KDAT, 97.7 KCRR, Z102.9 KZIA, KDEC 100.5fm. Mission Sponsors include Home Instead Senior Care, A.C.T., GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation Donor-Advised Fund of the Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation and Mercy Medical Center. Gold Sponsors include Alliant Energy, D.C. Taylor Co., First National Bank of West Union~St. Lucas, R&N Investments, South Slope Cooperative Communications, Traditions of West Union, University of Iowa Health Care, and Winneshiek Medical Center. Silver Sponsors include Abode Construction, Advanced Medical Transport, Bradley and Riley PC, Caribbean Tan & Spa, Gay & Chia Funeral & Cremation Service, Hiawatha Care Center, Hills Bank and Trust Company, Meth-Wick Community, NewAldaya Lifescapes, Sprayer Specialties Inc., St. Luke's Hospital, and University of Iowa Community Credit Union. Bronze sponsors include Bickford of Cedar Falls, Collins Community Credit Union, Comfort Keepers, Homewatch Caregivers, Maple Crest Manor, McDonald's, North Star Community Services, Pilot Club of Iowa City, Randal & Nelson PLC, Residential Mortgage Network Inc., Solon Retirement Village, and Whirlpool Amana.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation's sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today's estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer's. In Iowa alone, there are over 69,000 people living with Alzheimer's. For more information or to make a donation visit alz.org/eci or call 1-800-272-3900.

About the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's:

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer's Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer's Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer's. Together, we can end Alzheimer's – the nation's sixth-leading cause of death.

About the Alzheimer's Association:

The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.