WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S RALLIES 1,000 PARTICIPANTS

Over 1,000 residents of Marin and Sonoma counties joined forces for the 2024 Sonoma- Marin Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 5 to help raise funds for local services and the Alzheimer’s Association’s research efforts. The event, the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, was a walk around the Sonoma State University campus in Rohnert Park.
Many participants wore purple T-shirts and carried colorful flowers designating their connection to the
disease: blue for those living with Alzheimer’s; yellow for caregivers/care partners providing care and support to those living with Alzheimer’s orother dementia; purple for those who have lost loved ones and friends to the disease; and orange for supporters of the association’s services and the ongoing efforts to further research into treatment and a cure. Over the past few years, a new flower was added — a white flower that signifies the “first survivor” of Alzheimer’s.

This annual event raises funds needed to support the association’s local programs and services and its 24/7 Helpline which is often the gateway for people to get help, information, advice and support.
With offices in San Rafael and Santa Rosa, the North Bay offices have served over 2,500 North Bay residents during fiscal year 2024 through its Helpline, virtual education programs, care consultations and support groups. “The event is a coming together of people from all walks of life for a common goal – to
raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure,” said Darci Athens, the 2024 Sonoma-Marin walk manager. Those interested in supporting this year’s fundraising efforts, which will continue until the end of December, can go to alz.org/ sonomamarinwalk.