Community Corner

Alzheimer's Walk Unites Hundreds with Common Goal

This year's Harford County Walk to End Alzheimer's will be held October 5 at the Bel Air Equestrian Center.

Hundreds of local residents will unite on October 5 to do their part in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting its annual Harford County Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Bel Air Equestrian Center in October. The association is hoping the event not only raises money for their cause, but also sheds light on the fact that there is currently no cure for the disease.

“Alzheimer’s Disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the country presently, and it’s the only one in the top ten on the rise,” said Adrian Martin, development associate for the Alzheimer’s association.

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“There is no cure and no prevention treatment. I think those reasons alone shine a light on it, and show why we want to get more people to spread awareness about the disease.”

Traditionally, the walk draws between 400-500 people each year, Martin said. Those in attendance include many Bel Air residents.

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C. Milton Wright sophomore Rose Canfield is a team captain of Kids 4 a Cure. This will be her fifth year participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in memory of her grandfather.

“I saw how hard Alzheimer’s was for my grandfather, so I wanted to help other people and their families,” she said. “I came up with the name [Kids 4 a Cure] because I am only 14 years old and I am trying to find a cure to help end Alzheimer’s.”

Colleen Dombroskie of Bel Air will also be taking part in the walk, but for a slightly different cause. Dombroskie is a team captain of Our Family Tree, and it will be her second year participating.  

“I am the administrator of Autumn Assisted Living Bel Air,” Dombroskie  said. “We have a 16-bed dementia care unit… We are walking in honor of all of our residents who are with us now. Our facility is raising money with family members, friends and business acquaintances.”

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, the organization said.

On the day of the event, participants can enjoy registration with refreshments at 9 a.m., an opening ceremony, a 2.5-mile walk at 10 a.m. and then a closing ceremony.

Martin said his favorite part of the walk is just seeing everyone come together for a cause they are passionate about.

“They are all touched by the disease—usually it’s a family member they are caring for or someone who has passed away,” Martin said. “Seeing a bunch of people in the same place united for a common cause is a pretty incredible and inspirational thing.” 

Participants are encouraged to register early as teams or individually. Admission is free, but those who raise at least $100 will receive a Walk to End Alzheimer’s T-shirt. For more information, to start or join a team, or to make a donation, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/walk or 1-800-272-3900.


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