Participants sought for Alzheimer’s Arkansas Walk

HOT SPRINGS — Alzheimer’s Arkansas has scheduled eight Walks to be held across Arkansas to[more] raise awareness of and funds to provide services for Arkansans affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. What makes these Walks unique is that while raising awareness of the disease, they are also a celebration of individuals across the state living with dementia.

Alzheimer’s Arkansas encourages families to bring their loved ones with dementia to be celebrated, and invites their loved one’s friends and communities to join in, as well. Because the Alzheimer’s Arkansas Walks were designed to enable people with dementia to participate, they are not like a 5K race. Those attending the Walks may walk as little or as much as they wish, or simply sit and enjoy the scenery, food, and entertainment.

Alzheimer’s Arkansas and The Hot Springs Walk Committee encourage anyone interested to begin forming a team now for the 9th annual Hot Springs Alzheimer’s Arkansas Walk to be held Oct. 15, at Garvan Woodland Gardens.

“It is never too early to start raising awareness, as well as funds,” mentioned Stephanie Hull of Alzheimer’s Arkansas. “Prizes are awarded for largest family, community, and corporate teams, as well as for the most money raised in each of these categories. Teams are a vital part of the Walk. Not only do teams raise funds but, as members of the community, team members are able to educate others about the disease and the impact they and Alzheimer’s Arkansas are having in the lives of the Arkansans they know.”

All proceeds from The Alzheimer’s Arkansas Walks remain in Arkansas and provide free services to Arkansas families affected by Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.

There is no registration fee for the Walk. T-shirts are available for a $25 donation, while supplies last. All team forms are available on-line at www.alzark.org or may be obtained by calling Alzheimer’s Arkansas at 501-224-0021 or 800-689-6090. Pre-registration is Oct. 5, at Gross Funeral Home. Door prizes are donated by area businesses, and teams that pre-register receive two door prize tickets for team members, instead of one for those registering on Walk day. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

New to the Hot Springs Walk this year, the Walk Committee will be putting together an Arkansas Razorback basket. The contents of the basket will include tickets to a Razorback football game (TBA) and various Hog paraphernalia. Tickets to win the basket are $5 each or 3 tickets for $10. The drawing for the basket will be held at the close of the Walk on Oct. 15. The winner will not have to be present for the drawing. To purchase tickets, call Alzheimer’s Arkansas.

Alzheimer’s Arkansas is an independent non-profit 501 (3)(c) governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors. Incorporated in 1984, the mission of Alzheimer's Arkansas is to provide the information and support needed so that all Arkansans affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are able to manage with dignity and comfort until a cure is found. Alzheimer's Arkansas achieves this mission in many different ways – support groups throughout the state, 24-hour telephone support, financial assistance, a lending library, a monthly newsletter, caregiver education, community awareness presentations, and educational workshops around the state. For more information regarding Alzheimer’s Arkansas, Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, or the Alzheimer’s Arkansas Hot Springs Walk, visit www.alzark.org or call 501-224-0021/800-690-6090.