PARK RIDGE—Park Ridge Rotary is supporting the Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey chapter as a select level sponsor of the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
The Bergen–Passaic Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Oct. 17 at Overpeck Park, 199 Challenger Road in Ridgefield Park.
On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.
While plans are moving forward to host all walks in person, the health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers remain the top priorities. Safety precautions will include contactless registration, hand sanitizer stations, and the availability of masks. Options will be offered to participate online and in local neighborhoods as well.
Kayla Klinzing, New Jersey Alzheimer’s Association walk manger, says Rotary clubs all over the country have made a nationwide commitment to joining Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
“We are so grateful that the Park Ridge Rotary has stepped up to walk alongside us on Oct. 17 and be a local sponsor for this event as well. Rotary clubs understand the importance of getting involved in various causes that give back to local communities. I am very much looking forward to expanding upon our partnership between the Alzheimer’s Association and Rotary Club of Park Ridge,” she said.
Vicky Meo, Rotarian and co-chair of the Bergen-Passaic Walk Planning Committee, added, “As Rotarians we have the opportunity to make a difference in our communities and around the world. Alzheimer’s and dementia affects the person, their families and the community. We need to raise awareness and funds to be able to continue medical research to learn more about the disease.”
She said, “Rotary International has made great strides when working together to raise funds for so many causes and we hope to be able to continue that with a focus on Alzheimer’s.”
And Terry Ciulla, fellow Rotarian and marketing chair of the Bergen–Passaic Walk Planning Committee, said the partnership between Rotary and the Alzheimer’s Association is key to building “a village of volunteers in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”
Ciulla said, “We must work together to raise funds that supports research to find a cure, while providing crucial support to caregiver’s like I had been for my mom.”
More than 6 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.
Register your team today. Sign up as a team captain or register to walk as an individual. Learn more at alz.org/njwalk. To donate, text 2ENDALZ to 51555. For more information write gnjwalks@alz.org.