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Alzheimer’s Walk to take place today

Submitted Photo Kathy Stonefoot participated in the 2017 Dunkirk Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“I have seen the heartbreaking devastation that this disease causes. The loss of memories that everyone holds so dear crumbling away and their ability to be a part of our lives diminishes bit by bit.” Kathy Stonefoot is a social worker at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dunkirk and a member of the volunteer organizing committee for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s taking place in Dunkirk today.

“Participating in the walk is my opportunity to show that there is hope against this horrible disease,” says Stonefoot. “I want others to know that I know how they feel, what they are experiencing and together, we can get through it. We don’t have to just sit by and watch it happen. We can fight for those now and others in the future. Walking, raising awareness that there are things we can do and raising funds for research, that is hope.”

The walk is a family-friendly event that will begin at 9 a.m. with registration and check-in at the large shelter in Point Gratiot Park, Route 5 and Point Drive in Dunkirk. The walk gets underway at 10 a.m., with an opening ceremony. The roughly two mile walk route winds past the lighthouse, through the surrounding neighborhood, and back to the shelter. Along the way, walkers will be entertained by local singers and more.

Participants start or join teams and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, which has a Western New York Chapter office in Williamsville. There is no fee to sign-up, and there are incentives for reaching specific fund-raising goals. All registered participants can enjoy free refreshments, access to basket and 50/50 raffles, entertainment and a keepsake pinwheel flower that can be personalized with their reasons for participating.

The majority of funds raised stay in WNY to provide free education programs, support groups, respite services and other resources for all impacted by dementia. A percentage of every Walk donation is also targeted for research. Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable, unstoppable disease that cannot be prevented and the Alzheimer’s Association is the largest private funder of dementia research in the United States.

Registration is quick and easy online at alz.org/Walk or by calling 626-0600 extension 8981. Walk-up registration is also welcome the morning of the event.

Corporate support of the Walk is a critical factor in its fundraising success. The WNY Chapter is pleased to welcome new Platinum Sponsor Aetna. WDCX Radio returns as Platinum Sponsor. Afternoon program host Neil Boron is a former Walk Chairman. “Seven years ago, when I first got involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, I had no idea how much the work of the Alzheimer’s Association would mean to me personally,” said Boron. “Now when I walk and raise funds for education, research, support, respite care, and the like, I am not only doing this for the millions affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, but for my own father as well.”

The law firm Cellino and Barnes also returns as a Platinum Sponsor. Other local corporate support comes from Merchants Insurance, Tim Horton’s and Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association and local programs and services, visit alz.org/WNY or call 1-800-272-3900.

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