More than 300 residents from Central Georgia and surrounding areas joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease on Saturday, September 28 at Ellis Square. Participants raised more than $94,000 to support the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We are grateful to the Central Georgia community for coming together to show their support of those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers”, added Linda Davidson, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter. “Because of the generosity from the community, we are one step closer to putting an end to this disease”.

Run 2 End Alzheimer’s was the top fundraising team at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising almost $30,000. Team Captain, John Rowlands has been involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s since 2010. Rowlands has a long family history of Alzheimer’s including his father, grandfather and two uncles, who have all passed away from the disease. In 2010 Rowlands hiked over 900 miles on the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.

“My goal is to increase awareness and raise funds for the care, support and research of Alzheimer's whether as a volunteer for the walk, or as the race director for the Run 2 End Alzheimer's at the Landings.”, added John Rowlands, “I will do it until I can no longer do so:”

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Georgia alone, there are more than 150,000 people living with the disease and 533,000 caregivers.