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Ridgecrest 'Walk to End Alzheimer's' raises over 26K -- photo gallery

The Daily Independent - 10/30/2020

Oct. 28--Last weekend's Ridgecrest "Walk to End Alzheimer's" has raised over $26,000 so far, according to the Alzheimer's Association California Southland. Funds raised support Alzheimer's care, support, research and advocacy.

This year's largest sponsor was Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, which works closely with the Alzheimer's Association to provide year-round care and support services to families impacted by Alzheimer's and dementia in the local area.

This year's annual walk took place on October 24 and was the 11th in a 14-city series. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people did not all walk together in a large group as they have in past years.

"It's unfortunate that we cannot meet as a group this year," said Executive Directory Margaret Barron in a news release. "However, the important thing is that we are still walking, on the same day and with the same relentless dedication. We will be walking in different locations at the same time, with the same goal: to find prevention, treatment and a cure for Alzheimer's."

Participants instead took part individually or in small family teams, walking throughout the city wearing purple outfits and waving flags to raise funds as well as awareness.

The event culminated in a drive-by, view-only "Promise Flower Garden" at Leroy Jackson Park. Each flower in the garden has a special significance: Purple means "I lost someone to Alzheimer's or another dementia;" Yellow means "I am a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia;" Orange means "I envision a world without Alzheimer's or another dementia;" and Blue means, "I am a person living with Alzheimer's or another dementia."

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease -- the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States -- and more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, according to the 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.

For more information see alz.org/socal or call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Submitted photos

Photo Caption 1:

Immanuel Christian School InterAct Club participated in the Ridgecrest Walk to End Alzheimer's by walking throughout the city sporting their purple shirts and flags to help raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research, including the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

Photo Caption 2:

Travis Denning, team captain for the Coastal Valley Cyber Kiwanis, walks as an individual throughout the city as part of the Ridgecrest Walk to End Alzheimer's to help raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research, including the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

Photo Caption 3:

Ridgecrest Walk to End Alzheimer's committee member and local residents pose for a photo at this year's Promise Flower Garden located at Leroy Jackson Park, following the Ridgecrest Walk to End Alzheimer's. Participants walked individually or in small groups in their neighborhoods or trails throughout the area and raised over $26,000 and counting for Alzheimer's care, support and research, including the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

Photo Caption 4:

Top Ridgecrest Walk to End Alzheimer's team, "Grandpa's Little Lizards," which raised nearly $5,000 this year, poses for a photo at this year's Promise Flower Garden at Leroy Jackson Park. Participants walked individually or in small groups in their neighborhoods or trails throughout the area and raised over $26,000 and counting for Alzheimer's care, support and research, including the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

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(c)2020 The Daily Independent, Ridgecrest, Calif.

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