Cassandra Kellum
Staff Writer
Over 800 South Bay residents participated in the annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 29 at the Hermosa Beach Pier.
Held in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s patients. Alzheimer’s is the top 10 cause of death in America and currently cannot be prevented, cured or slowed.
“By raising money and awareness, I honor everyone who is fighting this dreaded disease as well as their caretakers and family members,” walker Vicky Patel said. “I hope others help me honor those who have lost their fight and that I will see a cure within my lifetime.”
The goal was to raise $175,000 and the fundraiser ended up raising over $191,851. There were over 100 teams that participated in the walk; each individual walker can create or be a part of a team of walkers if they wish to walk with a group.
“I take part in the walk because I have seen firsthand what Alzheimer’s can do to a person,” Patel said. “Alzheimer’s has such a far-reaching effect that it crosses generational lines and can devastate a family in ways no other disease can.”
The walk began at the end of the Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza. Walkers chose between a full 3.4-mile walk on the strand or a shorter route of 1 mile.
The organization has raised $75 million since 2015. The Alzheimer’s Association has mobilized millions of Americans in the fight against the disease, and will continue to lead the way with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, according to act.alz.org.
“I think that the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a wonderful event for Hermosa Beach to take part in, and I hope that it inspires cities in the South Bay and world wide to be involved in this association as well,” Hermosa Beach resident Megan Mcbride said.
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