Walk to End Alzheimer’s event Sept. 21 in Rhinelander

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Rhinelander area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Hodag Dome, 863 Hodag Dome Drive, Rhinelander.

 The event will start at 8:30 a.m. with the opening ceremony to follow at 9:40 a.m., immediately followed by the Walk at 10 a.m.

“We walk not only to honor those we’ve lost and those currently battling Alzheimer’s but also to build a hopeful future for the next generation,” Jim Brust, chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Rhinelander event, said in a press release. “This event brings our community together, uniting us in a shared purpose. Every step we take brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s, and together, we can make a lasting impact.”

“As advancements in Alzheimer's treatments continue, participants are stepping forward to create a brighter future for families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” the release states. “They walk to honor their loved ones battling the disease, those they have lost, and to support future generations. The event starts with the touching Promise Garden ceremony, where walkers carry a colored flower symbolizing their personal connection to the disease.”

More than 7 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 Wisconsin, more than 110,000 people are living with the disease and serving as unpaid caregivers. In Oneida County alone, more than 1,315 individuals age 65 and older are living with dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association is also excited to share that Jeff Levering, a sportscaster covering the Milwaukee Brewers, will be the honorary chair for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s supporting all 27 Wisconsin walks. 

“Having Jeff Levering as our honorary chair brings a sense of unity and hope to our efforts, and his involvement inspires our community to come together in the fight against Alzheimer,” the release states.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: act.alz.org/rhinelander. Pre-registration is encouraged. For questions or assistance, contact Julie St. Pierre at 715-352-4091.

Sponsors: the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter thanks the numerous volunteers and sponsors of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, including National Presenting Sponsor Edward Jones, local sponsor MPSystems, local media partner NRG, and statewide media partner LocaliQ. 

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. 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.