Fighting for a Different Future. For More Time. For Treatments.
BLACK RIVER FALLS, WI, AUGUST 18, 2023 – The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting the
community to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s ®
Black River Falls presented by Ho-Chunk Nation on September 17, 2023 at Veterans Park, 120 N
Water St., Black River Falls. The event opens at 8:30 a.m. with the Opening Ceremony at 9:40 a.m.
immediately followed by the Walk at 10:00 a.m. This is the first year that the Walk is being held in
Black River Falls. The event will feature a pow wow by the Ho-Chunk Nation drum group.
The walk is chaired by Mary Gerdes, General Manager at WWIS Radio. “We’re so excited to bring the
Walk to Black River Falls and Veterans Park,” said Gerdes. “The need is stronger than ever to support
all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. With the dollars raised, the Alzheimer’s
Association can continue to provide care and support to families on this difficult journey, while also
advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention.”
In this new era with Alzheimer’s treatments advancing, walkers are fighting for a different future for
families facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia. They walk in honor of loved ones impacted by the
disease and future generations. The walk begins with a poignant Promise Garden ceremony where
walkers hold a colored flower representing their personal connection to the cause. They may have lost
someone (purple), be fighting the disease (blue), a caregiver (yellow), or an advocate for the cause
(orange).
The Alzheimer’s Association is also excited to share that Craig Coshun, sportscaster covering the
Brewers and the Bucks, will be the Honorary Chair for the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s supporting all
Wisconsin Walks. Coshun lost his mother to Alzheimer’s and is active in the Sportscasters Against
Alzheimer’s initiative.
How to Register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Black River Falls presented by Ho-Chunk
Nation
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit:
act.alz.org/blackriverfalls. Pre-registration is encouraged. For questions or assistance, please call
800.272.3900.
local Sponsors
The Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter thanks the numerous volunteers and sponsors of the
Walk to End Alzheimer’s, including National Presenting Sponsor – Edward Jones, Local Presenting
Sponsor – Ho-Chunk Nation and media partners WKBT News 8 and WWIS Radio.
Statistics
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.
In Wisconsin, there are more than 120,000 people living with the disease and 191,000 serving as
caregivers. In Monroe County alone, nearly 800 individuals age 65 and older are living with dementia.
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 has
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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