OTTUMWA — The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting South Central Iowa area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s^® on Thursday, Sept. 12 at Bridge View Center in Ottumwa. Registration begins at 4:45 p.m., and the 2-mile Walk begins at 6:15 p.m. after the Opening Ceremony.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that can give families more valuable time with their loved one,” said Michelle Kelman, organizer of the Walk in Ottumwa. “We hope that everyone in the community can join us by starting a Walk team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease and vital research to find more treatments, and ultimately a cure.”

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with a meaningful Promise Garden Ceremony that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers – purple, yellow, blue and orange – represent the different reasons why people walk to end this disease.

There is no fee to register for Walk, however, all participants are encouraged 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.

Nearly 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 Iowa, there are more than 62,000 people living with the disease and nearly 100,000 caregivers.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk.