Walk to End Alzheimer’s Event Held in Cooperstown, New York

This past week, the Alzheimer’s Association kicked off its annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by members of the Cooperstown Chamber Board, NYCM Insurance, and numerous local community supporters. This event brought people together to raise awareness, provide support, distribute educational resources, and fundraise for Alzheimer’s care and research. The walk not only raised critical funds but also served as a powerful reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat this devastating disease.

Get our free mobile app

On Saturday, over 200 participants gathered at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, creating an inspiring atmosphere of unity and hope. The event featured the Promise Garden ceremony, a symbolic and emotional tradition that highlights each walker’s personal connection to the cause. During the ceremony, participants held flowers in different colors, each color representing a unique story and connection to the disease—supporters, caregivers, individuals currently battling Alzheimer’s, and those honoring loved ones lost. The Promise Garden served as a moving moment of solidarity and reflection, uniting all in the shared mission to end Alzheimer’s.

Andrew Marietta, Treasurer of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the event’s impact on the local community. “The walk raised awareness of an important issue and the challenges faced by residents of Cooperstown and others,” Marietta said. “It delivered a powerful message that illuminated the difficulties surrounding Alzheimer’s.”

Today, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, supported by over 11 million caregivers nationwide. In New York State alone, over 426,500 people are affected by the disease, with more than 543,000 caregivers helping them navigate its challenges. As the world’s largest event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s aims to raise $45,000 this year in Cooperstown, helping bring hope and resources to those impacted by the disease.