New Home, Same Mission: Walk to End Alzheimer’s Emerald Coast to Be Held for the First Time in Walton County Location at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach
By Alzheimer’s Association Central North Florida
Hope is on the horizon as communities across the Emerald Coast gear up for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This year, we invite you to walk with us for a cause that touches so many families right here at home in the Walton County community.
Alzheimer’s disease is not only a health crisis, but a deeply personal journey for countless families. It is the most common form of dementia, a general term for the loss of cognitive function and memory. More than 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and two-thirds of them are women. In Florida, nearly 580,000 individuals live with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
That is why the Alzheimer’s Association exists. We lead the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia through research, risk reduction, early detection and quality care, and every fall we ask our neighbors and friends to join us for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. It is the world’s largest event of its kind and far more than a fundraiser. Walk is a movement that brings hope to families living with this disease today.
This year’s Emerald Coast Walk will be held Saturday, Nov. 7 for the first time in Walton County at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, Florida. It’s a true destination spot, where participants can dine and shop, pre- or post-walk and enjoy everything the Emerald Coast has to offer. Walkers can expect plenty of parking and a scenic, tree-lined route through the beautiful Sandestin neighborhood.
Participants will have the opportunity to honor those affected through the poignant Promise Garden ceremony, carrying flowers in colors that represent their own connection to the disease. Blue is for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Purple is for someone who has lost a loved one to it. Yellow is for someone currently supporting or caring for a person with the disease. Orange is for everyone who supports the cause.
Together, those colors signify our solidarity. Walk for families facing the disease today. Walk for advancements in treatment. Walk for the next generation. Walk for a future without Alzheimer’s.
And a day like this takes the whole community. We are grateful to Emerald Coast Hospice, this year’s presenting sponsor, whose support helps power our mission across the Emerald Coast. We’re equally thankful for the leadership of our Walk Chairperson, Tara Nettles of Gulf Coast Bank, who has poured her heart into bringing this new location to life.
We hope you’ll join us for this fun and meaningful event that all ages look forward to and enjoy. You can register today at alz.org/emeraldcoastwalk or scan the QR code above. Your participation will make a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s. To learn more or find support for someone you care about, visit alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.
