Annual Walk To Fight Alzheimer’s returns to Point Pleasant Beach

(Video above courtesy of Alzheimer's New Jersey)

The non-profit Alzheimer's New Jersey is returning to Point Pleasant Beach among other locations for their annual Walk to Fight Alzheimer's fundraiser and awareness event.

Their mission is to lend support, aid and provide important information to patients and caregivers of those with the disease.

They also raise awareness and funds to support local programs helping those affected by all forms of dementia.

On Saturday, September 28, Alzheimer’s New Jersey will host its annual “Walk to Fight Alzheimer’s” in Point Pleasant Beach.

The Walks have grown as the disease has for people across the state and the nation.

"There are about 180,000 people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in New Jersey," Ken Zaentz, President and CEO of Alzheimer's New Jersey said. "If you add the fact that it takes more than one caregiver to provide the kind of care that loved ones need, we're talking about 600,000 people in New Jersey who are impacted by Alzheimer's disease."

Zaentz says the disease also carries a heavy financial burden on everyone associated with any form of Dementia.

"The disease has a tremendous economic impact so people are not only coming to these walks because they have a personal relationship to the disease but it's an economic issue so it really affects everyone," Zaentz said.

The walk is focused on providing resources to those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers as well as raising funds for research which is critical for everyone impacted by the disease.

While we've learned a lot, there's still a ways to go.

"If we're talking about drug approval there really hasn't been any good news, there's been more failure than success but everyday we're learning more and more about the disease," Zaentz said. "I think that research is obviously important. We all want to see the day when we can either slow down the progression of the disease or stop it, but we're not there yet."

While we've learned a lot, Zaentz said, there's been some road blocks in searching for the cause and cure.

The biggest focal points of the walk each year is raising funds for research but also to provide resources for the caregivers.

"We definitely need more money for research, the dollar amount being spent by the federal government has increased significantly but it still pares in comparison to other diseases that may not affect as many people," Zaentz said. "We also need to do more for caregivers. We do not have a system in this country that financially supports the needs that caregivers have."

Funds are needed to help with expenses like adult day care, home care or admitting a loved one into a health care facility.

"Families are going bankrupt because of the expenses related to Alzheimer's disease and that is where they need help," Zaentz said. "There are just not enough resources available for the needs of caregivers."

There is no registration fee for the walk but it is a fundraising event so if you can spare some money for the cause, try and support Alzheimer's New Jersey.

100% of the funds raised from the walk will support individuals and families in New Jersey affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Participants of the walk are encouraged to wear purple to show support for the over 600,000 New Jersey residents impacted by Alzheimer’s and other Dementia's.

The first 1000 registered walkers will receive a promotional tote bag and walkers who raise $50 or more will receive a complimentary event T-shirt.

Registration takes place at 8:30 am on September 28 at the corner of Arnold and Baltimore Avenues with a kickoff rally at 9:30 am and the walk itself which begins at 10:00 am.

There will also be refreshments, music, and door prizes and dogs are also welcome to join in the post-walk festivities in the municipal parking lot as long as they remain on a leash, but officials say they are not permitted on the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk, where most of the walk takes place.

You'll also have time to speak with members of Alzheimer's New Jersey to seek out help or services or just learn more about what they do.

To sign-up ahead of time for the race, donate or volunteer, head over to their website or call 973-586-4300 or email walk@alznj.org.

Here are the upcoming walks Alzheimer's New Jersey will be holding this fall:

• Saturday, September 28 – Southern Regional Walk, Arnold & Baltimore Aves, Point Pleasant Beach.

• Saturday, October 5– Liberty State Park Regional Walk, Liberty State Park, Jersey City.

• Sunday, October 13 – Central Regional Walk, Educational Testing Service, Princeton.

• Sunday, October 27 – Northern Regional Walk, Bergen Community College, Paramus.

Since 1985, Alzheimer’s New Jersey (formerly known as Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter), has provided care and support for New Jersey families and has helped advance research for a cure.

Alzheimer’s New Jersey is a nonprofit organization not affiliated with a national charity whose mission is to provide support, assistance and information to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their caregivers in New Jersey.

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