ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S IN OXNARD PROJECTED TO RAISE OVER $50,000 TO FIGHT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Over one hundred area residents amongst 61 different teams participated in this year’s Oxnard Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants walked as individuals and small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails across Ventura County on Saturday to ensure the health and safety for all involved in the event.
The Walk has raised over $43,000 to date and is projected to exceed $50,000 to fund research and local services throughout the Central Coast including support groups, education, information and referral services, care and support efforts and a 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
Gina’s Alzheimer’s Eliminators, led by team captain Terry Saidel, was the top fundraising team at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising more than $12,500. This was Saidel’s fourth time participating in the Oxnard Walk – only his second Walk since the passing of his wife and love of his life, Gina. “I’m going to continue to walk until there’s no need or until I’m gone; that’s how dedicated I am to it,” he said.
On Walk day, walkers viewed a virtual Opening Ceremony hosted by Dunia Elvir of Telemundo. After the ceremony, participants walked throughout the community and experienced the Promise Flower Garden at The Collection at Riverpark. Colorful flowers representing the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s and all other dementia decorated the outdoor shopping center, along with purple balloon arches. Covid Cruise Family, a local drive-by parade group, passed through The Collection in a line of vintage cars, blasting music and waving purple promise flowers.
“Even though the pandemic transformed how we walked this year, the community came out in full force with great participation on our local streets and neighborhoods,” said Development Manager Aracely Avila. “The Collection was definitely painted purple, and awareness was all around! We thank everyone for their unrelenting dedication to help us end Alzheimer’s.”
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create substantial challenges for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers. Donations are needed now more than ever to meet the increasing demand for car and support services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association to local Central Coast communities.
“This year, more than ever, we need to come together to support all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia, said Lindsey Leonard, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast chapter. “With the dollars raised, the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to provide care and support to families during these difficult times while also advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention.”
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In California alone, there are more than 690,000 people living with the disease and 1,624,000 caregivers.
Donations can still be made to the Oxnard Walk to End Alzheimer’s through Dec. 31 at act.alz.org/oxnard. The California Central Coast chapter will be hosting four more Walks this year, including the Santa Maria Walk on Oct. 3, the San Luis Obispo Walk and the Westlake Village Walk on Oct. 31, and the Santa Barbara Walk on Nov. 7. You can find more info or register at alz.org/walk.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
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