Photos: Walk to End Alzheimer's in Batavia
Alzheimer's Association of WNY held its annual Walk to End Alzheimer's in Batavia on Saturday morning, with the walk starting and ending in Centennial Park.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Walk to End Alzheimer's
Walk to End Alzheimer’s set for Batavia on September 14
Press Release:
The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Genesee and Wyoming County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, September 14, at Centennial Park in Batavia. Registration opens at 10 a.m., with the Walk commencing at 11 a.m.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” says Kaitlyn Less, director of development for the Western New York Chapter. “We hope that everyone in the community can join us to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally end this disease.”
Julia Rogers of Batavia has participated in the Genesee/Wyoming Walk for several years. “I Walk to honor those who live with this disease and in memory of those who passed away before a cure could be found,” she says. "It must be so scary for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Just for a moment imagine you can't come up with a close family member's or friend's name or participate in familiar activities like you used to. Our Walk supports the caregivers, family members and friends who have become the safety and security for their loved ones.”
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. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.
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 New York State, there are more than 426,5000 people living with the disease and 543,000 caregivers.
The funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s ensure the programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association are free to all who need them, in addition to funding the research and advocacy efforts which have resulted in new treatments for people living in the early stage.
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s for Genesee and Wyoming Counties, visit act.alz.org/GeneseeWyoming.
Photos: Walk to End Alzheimer's raises more than $80K
More than 420 people participated in this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's.
The walk's chairwoman Kim Arnold said when the final tally is completed, the walk will have raised more than $80,000, exceeding the goal of matching last year's total of $75,000.
The funds are used to support patients and caregivers locally as well as contribute to Alzheimer's Association research treatments and cures for Alzheimer's.
There are more than six million Alzheimer's patients in the country who are helped by more than 11 million unpaid caregivers.
Post-COVID Walk to End Alzheimer's to be in person Oct. 1 in Batavia
File Photo of last year's Walk to End Alzheimer's by Howard Owens. Walk organizers opted to have a hybrid version of the walk to include both virtual and in-person participants after the pandemic prompted a virtual-only event in 2020.
Press Release
The Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, is inviting Genesee and Wyoming County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on October 1 at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m., and the actual Walk commences at 11:15 a.m.
Lynn Westcott, senior director of development at the WNY Chapter, says: “The Genesee/Wyoming Counties Walk to End Alzheimer's is our signature event for awareness and we are thrilled to bring the Walk back as a completely in-person event this year.” Covid-19 concerns prompted the Alzheimer’s Association to hold a virtual Walk in 2020 and a hybrid version in 2021.
On Walk day, participants come together to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and raise funds that ensure the programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association are free to all who need them. In addition, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony, with the colors of the Promise Garden flowers representing people’s connection to Alzheimer’s – their personal reasons to end the disease.
Kim Arnold, chair of the Genesee/Wyoming Counties Walk to End Alzheimer’s, shares, “I volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association in support of the families and caregivers of those who live with Alzheimer's disease. We have so many outstanding people and families in these two counties' communities who have been affected by Alzheimer’s and consistently support the Walk, and the Alzheimer’s Association. The dedication and turnout has been heartwarming year after year. We look forward to seeing all those smiling faces again for Walk 2022! It's a morning full of fun with music, performers and activities to interest all ages.”
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 New York alone, there are more than 410,000 people living with the disease and 580,000 caregivers.
This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is presented by Uniland. To register and receive the latest updates on the Genesee/Wyoming Counties Walk, visit act.alz.org/GeneseeWyoming. To learn more about the planning committee or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lynn Westcott at lwestcott@alz.org or 716.440.4251.
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.
Photos: Walk to End Alzheimer's in Batavia
This morning, hundreds turned out for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's this morning, which started at Dwyer Stadium and meandered through residential streets on the Northside.
The Walk to End Alzheimer's returns to Dwyer Stadium on Sept. 25
Press release:
The Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter is excitedly planning to stage the annual Genesee-Wyoming counties Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in a new location—Dwyer Stadium at 252B State Street in Batavia. All in-person events will implement safety protocols including physical distancing, contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations and more. Masks are welcome and will be available on-site. We will continue to closely monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local guidelines to ensure Walk events adhere to recommendations and are safe for attendees. For those who prefer to participate by walking from home, around their neighbors or on a favorite trail, they can still engage in many Walk-day experiences through the Walk website and mobile app. Information about the app is available in the Walk Participation Center when participants register at alz.org/WNYwalk.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is critical to the Chapter’s efforts to provide care and support for all impacted by dementia across Genesee and Wyoming counties, as well as Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Orleans counties. Money raised by Walk participants ensures the Chapter can continue to provide free education programs, support groups, respite training services, a 24/7 Helpline, research and more.
Among those who will be participating in the Dwyer Stadium walk on Saturday, September 25, 2021 is Catherine Johnston. The Stafford resident leads the Sweet Memories walk team. “I began walking for Alzheimer's the second or third year that the walk was held in Batavia. It was right around the time my step-father was having symptoms of dementia, “said Catherine. “I needed help and I found other people who had loved one's they were trying to take care of while holding down a job, a home and their parent’s home, too. I knew I was in the right place.” Catherine found the free education programs offered by the WNY Chapter very helpful when she was providing care for her loved ones and today, she walks in memory of her stepfather Valentine and her Uncle Donald, both of whom lost their battle with dementia. So far, Catherine has raised $2,250 toward her goal of $3,000.
A key feature of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the Promise Garden ceremony, a mission-focused experience that symbolizes the fight against the disease with colorful pinwheel flowers. The flowers come in four colors, which represent a connection to the disease: blue is for those living with dementia, yellow signifies a care partner, purple honors those lost to the disease and orange illustrates support for our fight to end Alzheimer’s.
There are no fees to attend, but as this event is the major means of support for the non-profit Alzheimer’s Association, fundraising is strongly encouraged and incentives are offered for meeting specific goals, including the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s purple t-shirt. Free registration is quick and easy at alz.org/WNY. Once registered, participants have access to the online participant center from which they can share their efforts and progress on social media, create personal fundraising emails, share photos or videos of the reasons they are walking and more.
For additional information and to inquire about corporate sponsorship, please call Lynn Westcott during traditional business hours at 716.440.4251 or send an email to LWestcott@alz.org.
Lifelong member of Pavilion Baptist Church still does all she can to combat Alzheimer's on family's behalf
Not only will participants be walking to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and raise money to combat it, but this will be a great family event, for young and old alike, according to organizer Sam MacAllister, pastor of the Pavilion Baptist Church.
The church’s involvement came about because of Linda Starkey, a lifelong member of the church, whose mother and brother were affected by the disease.
“This is my fourth year of being involved in the Alzheimer’s Walk,” Starkey said. “I turned 80 in July, and I walk with a walker, but I still participate. It is very important to me that we find a cure.”
Last year Starkey walked in Batavia with 250 other walkers, but because of COVID-19 this year, the walk can’t be done that way.
“We are all walking in our own communities, and here in Pavilion, my pastor is coordinating everything,” Starkey said.
“This seemed like the perfect event to get the community back together after this pandemic,” Pastor MacAllister said. “We will distribute water and snacks in a safe way.”
The pastor said he was thrilled with Starkey’s dedication and happy to support her cause.
“This is a really important cause for her,” MacAllister said. “She tries to build her strength ahead of time. She has a very youthful spirit and is highly determined. Her friends are doing everything to keep her safe and see that she succeeds.”
Starkey’s friend Pat Wolcott has committed to walk with her, and they welcome anyone to join their team. Participants may donate to the cause, but it is not necessary.
MacAllister has chosen a route through town on streets with sidewalks, so everyone will be safe. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 3 at the gazebo in the town park.
Participants may sign up on the website at pavilionwalk.com, but it is not required.
Photo: Linda Starkey, right, and her friend Pat Wolcott will be walking Oct. 3 in an Alzheimer’s Walk in Pavilion. Starkey, who turned 80 in July, is passionate about supporting the cause, as both her mother and brother were stricken with Alzheimer’s. Photo by Virginia Kropf.
Manor House executive to chair this year's Genesee/Wyoming Walk to End Alzheimer's
Photo: Kim Arnold, left, and her daughter Brooke.
Submitted photo and press release:
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds forcare and support for all impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and research to find ways to prevent, treat and end the disease.
On Oct. 3, 2020, the Genesee/Wyoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s will bring more than 600 people to Batavia who have touched in some way by dementia, and leading the effort is an executive with The Manor House in Batavia.
The Manor House Sales and Marketing Director Kim Arnold will chair this year’s event in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter, which oversees five other Walks across the region.
In 2019, the Batavia Walk raised more than $64,000. Corporate sponsorship and peer-to-peer fundraising for the Walk fund the Chapter’s local outreach, which includes free education and supportive services, as well as critical research.
“I am honored to be leading the volunteer team for the Batavia Walk," Arnold said. "Our committee is very dedicated to organizing a fun and inspiring event and raising the funds that will help us end this terrible disease.
"One of the things I am most proud about is that our Walk is one of the leaders across the nation for returning Walk teams, and I think that is a reflection of the wonderful community we have here across Genesee and Wyoming counties."
Individual, family and friend and corporate teams raise funds for the Walk through various means, including yard sales, raffles, dress down days and the sales of various purple items such as bracelets and paper flowers.
Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter Executive Director Jill Horner welcomes Arnold to the Walk leadership group.
“I am delighted that Kim hasthis critical leadership role to support families in her community and across Western New York," Horner said. "Her dedication and ongoing support of chapter work is never ending and I can’t thank Kim enough for her commitment."
Other Walks set for this year are set for: Buffalo on Sept. 12; the Southern Tier and Orleans County on Sept. 26; Niagara County on Oct. 3; and Chautauqua County on Oct. 10.
All Walk locations are currently recruiting volunteers to serve on organizing committees. Roles include marketing, recruitment, sponsorship and logistics.
To volunteer, call the WNY Chapter office at (716) 626-0600. To learn more about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and to start a fundraising team, visit alz.org/Walk.
About Kim Arnold
She joined The Manor House in 2016 after working in sales and marketing in Monroe County, including serve as the chair of Development for Camp HACCAMO for developmentally disabled children in Penfield. Her affiliation with the Alzheimer’s Association began seven years ago when she volunteered to work as a community educator.
Arnold has been volunteering with the Association and the Walk since she began working in Batavia. She and her husband, Tom, reside in Avon with their daughter Brooke, who also volunteers at the Walk.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
It is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
About the Western New York Chapter
The local Chapter provides programs, services and other resources for those living with dementia, their care partners, healthcare professionals and others across eight counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.
You can learn more by calling (716) 626-0600 during traditional business hours, or 24/7 at 800-272-3900 or alz.org/WNY.
Mark Your Calendar: Batavia Walk to End Alzheimer's is Sept. 21
From the Alzheimer's Association of WNY:
The Batavia Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21.
It is part of the global Walk to End Alzheimer’s -- the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, approximately 750 individuals from the greater Genesee County area — family members, caregivers, employers, friends and persons living with dementia — will honor all those impacted by the disease and fight for a world without Alzheimer’s.
Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at 278 Bank St. in Batavia is hosting the event, which begins and ends there.
Proceeds from the walk ensure the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter can continue to provide supportive services and education at no cost, while raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and Association services all across the Genesee Valley.
While there is no fee to register or participate, we strongly encourage participants to fundraise to contribute to the cause and the Chapter offers a number of tools and materials to help with fundraising.
The Center’s outdoor park offers space to enjoy snacks and refreshments, visit with local vendors, and buy basket and 50/50 raffle tickets, while the roughly two-mile walk route offers a pleasant stroll through a lovely neighborhood.
Register today at alz.org/Walk and start fundraising to earn terrific incentives, including the 2019 purple Walk T-shirt.
Please call (716) 626-0600 or 800-272-3900 with any questions.
Photos: Walk to End Alzheimer's
The Alzheimer’s Association, WNY Chapter, sponsored today's Walk to End Alzheimers in Batavia. The route started and ended at Premier Genesee Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on Bank Street. Hundreds of people turned out, though this morning organizers did not have an exact count of participants.
Walk to End Alzheimer's returns to Batavia Sept. 22
The entire Le Roy Village Green team from a previous Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Brenda Houk is waering a purple lei on left side).
Submitted photo and press release:
Brenda Houk of Le Roy is acutely aware of the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease. While enrolled at Genesee Community College in Batavia, she began an internship at Le Roy Village Green working with residents who had varying degrees of cognitive loss and after graduating, she remained at LVG as Assistant Activities director.
“My heart could not pull away," Houk said. "I have had residents come and go, have made connections with family members over the years that show how much Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect others along with the person themselves. Seeing that is enough to want to make it stop and to find a way to prevent this disease from continuing."
Houk is doing that by leading the LVG team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in Batavia.
“It is sad thinking of your loved one, family, spouse, friends forgetting who they are, and who they love and share a life with. We can make a difference one person at a time.”
The walk is a family-friendly event that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 22, beginning at 9 a.m. with registration and check-in at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at 278 Bank St. The walk gets underway at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony
The walk route winds through the streets near Premier Genesee Center, and covers about two miles. Along the way, walkers will be entertained by local singers and more.
Participants start or join teams and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, which has a Western New York Chapter office in Williamsville.
There is no fee to sign-up, and there are incentives for reaching specific fundraising goals. All registered participants can enjoy free refreshments, access to basket and 50/50 raffles, entertainment and a keepsake pinwheel flower that can be personalized with their reasons for participating.
The majority of funds raised stay in WNY to provide free education programs, support groups, respite services and other resources for all impacted by dementia. A percentage of every walk donation is also targeted for research. Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable, unstoppable disease that cannot be prevented and the Alzheimer’s Association is the largest private funder of dementia research in the United States.
Registration is quick and easy online at alz.org/Walk or by calling (716) 626-0600. Walk-up registration is also welcome the morning of the event.
Early check-in is set for Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 3-7 p.m. at the Center. It allows participants to turn in donations, collect wrist bands for site access, pick-up their flowers, as well as earned medals and tee shirts, and purchase raffle tickets so they can avoid the lines and enjoy the all the wonderful components of this terrific walk!
Corporate support of the Walk is a critical factor in its fundraising success. The WNY Chapter is pleased to welcome new Platinum Sponsor Aetna, as well as returning Platinum Sponsors WDCX Radio and the law firm Cellino and Barnes. Other local corporate support comes from Merchants Insurance, Tim Hortons, The Manor House, Five Star Urgent Care and WCJW radio.
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association and local programs and services, visit alz.org/WNY or call 1.800.272.3900.
Sponsored Post: Walk to End Alzheimer's is Sept. 23, join now
Walk to End Alzheimer's (Batavia Walk) REGISTER TODAY!
WHEN: Saturday Sept. 23
TIME: 9 a.m. Registration. Walk starts at 10. Coffee and donuts courtesy of Tim Hortons, basket raffle, 50-50, hot dogs and drinks courtesy of Premier Genesee.
WHERE: Premiere Genesee Rehabiliation and Nursing Center, 278 Bank St., Batavia (formerly Genesee County Nursing Home)
REASON: HOPE to find a cure for Alzheimer's! HOPE to finally have the "first survivor"!
NEEDS: Baskets gratefully accepted: Please bring basket donations by 9/18 to Premier Genesee.
NEW THIS YEAR: Avoid registration lines on day of the walk. Preregister at Premier Genesee from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sept.
Click here to register now.
Sponsored Post: Walk to End Alzheimer's is Sept. 23, join now
Walk to End Alzheimer's (Batavia Walk) REGISTER TODAY!
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23
TIME: 9 a.m. Registration. Walk starts at 10 a.m. Coffee & donuts courtesy of Tim Horton's; Basket Raffle/50-50/hot dogs and drink courtesy of Premier Genesee.
WHERE: Premiere Genesee Rehabiliation and Nursing Center, 278 Bank St., Batavia (formerly Genesee County Nursing Home)
REASON: HOPE to find a cure for Alzheimer's! HOPE to finally have the "first survivor"!
NEEDS: Baskets gratefully accepted: Please bring basket donations by 9/18 to Premier Genesee
NEW THIS YEAR: Avoid registration lines on day of the walk. Preregister at Premier Genesee on Sept. 19 from 3 - 7 p.m.
Click here to register now.
Photos: Walk to End Alzheimer's in Batavia
At least 500 people turned out today for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's in Batavia.
Above, youth cheerleaders from Le Roy encourage walkers in front of Batavia Middle School on Ross Street.
Hundreds expected to join Batavia Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 24
Press release:
The Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter estimates that across Genesee County, approximately 2,000 residents have Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia. It’s further believed that an additional 6,000 family members and friends provide some kind of care for those with impaired cognition.
All those people, as well as professional care providers, have access to the no-cost resources of the WNY Chapter, which include educational programs, support groups, online access to information, support and medical professionals across the county, and other vital programs and services.
The major means of financial support for these services is the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will take place in Batavia on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Genesee County Nursing Home (278 Bank St.) starting at 9 a.m.
Hundreds of participants are expected to take part in this important, informative and entertaining fundraiser. A committee of local residents and business and community leaders has been planning Walk for months, helping secure donations of goods and services, recruiting team members and leaders and promoting the event across the county while raising awareness about dementia and the WNY Chapter.
Registration and fundraising can be accomplished online at alz.org/WNY or via a quick phone call to 1.800.272.3900. All registered participants have access to refreshments, entertainment and basket and 50/50 raffles.
Day-of registration is also available from 9-10 a.m., and fundraising can continue through the end of October to qualify for incentives, which include a purple Walk to End Alzheimer’s T-shirt and a gold medal.
The continuing availability of Chapter resources and important research to find ways to prevent, slow and cure Alzheimer’s disease is also funded through the generous support of the corporate world.
Information and easy registration is available online at alz.org/WNY or by calling 1.800.272.3900.
Genesee County Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Genesee County Walk to End Alzheimer’s this Saturday!
WHAT: Fundraising Walk to End Alzheimer’s Close to 400 participants expected!
WHEN: Saturday, September 27, 2014.
Event Date and Time
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