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Walk to End Alzheimer's
Nearly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, a number projected to double by the year 2060. Folks in the Bay Area are taking that to heart with this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's. FOX 13's Heather Healy reports.
TAMPA, Fla. - An annual walk brought thousands of families, caregivers and supporters together in Tampa on Saturday morning to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer's disease.
Tampa Walk to End Alzheimer's
What we know:
Thousands of people gathered in Tampa on Saturday morning for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's, an event designed to bring families, caregivers and supporters together to raise funds for research and care. The walk serves as the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's support, with donation links made available through the Alzheimer's Association website.
More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, including nearly 600,000 people in Florida. Among those participating was Rich Howard-Willms, who was diagnosed with the disease about a year ago after a PET scan revealed developing plaque in his brain. Howard-Willms shared that he feels confident about his prognosis and long-term future, emphasizing that a diagnosis is not a death sentence.
Caregiver Ellen Andreu also walked to honor her mother, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2019 and died this year on her 68th birthday. Andreu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to navigate the emotional journey alongside friends and family while supporting others facing similar losses.
Total event fundraising results
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact total dollar amount raised during Saturday morning's walk in Tampa. It remains unknown how many total participants registered for the local event or when the next local fundraiser will take place.
Alzheimer's Association donation guidelines
What you can do:
Anyone interested in getting involved or making a donation can visit the Alzheimer's Association website here.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from FOX 13 reporter Heather Healy, who reported on scene from the event in Tampa, as well as statements provided by event participants Rich Howard-Willms and Ellen Andreu.