Walk to End Alzheimer’s coming to Chase Palm Park on Nov. 6

After a hiatus of in-person events all throughout 2020, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s will return this year to Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 9 a.m.

The event will feature the poignant Promise Garden — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.

Additionally, the Walk will host interactive event sponsor booths and a dog costume contest sponsored by BarkBox. Participants will leave from Chase Palm Park and walk a 3.1 mile loop along E Cabrillo Blvd in support of the cause to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

This year’s event is supported by a strong committee of local professionals and residents who have joined together in a collaborative effort to engage the Santa Barbara community for this important cause – spearheaded by honorary chair Gerd Jordano and co-chairs Rhonda Henderson, Leigh Cashman and Katina Zaninovich.

The group of four long-term Santa Barbara residents are renowned trailblazers and volunteers in many different areas of the community, now coming together in leadership for a common cause.

“Alzheimer’s disease is tragic and irreversible and has become a national crisis and global epidemic,” said Jordano. “Having witnessed the enormous emotional, medical and financial challenges it has created for friends and family caring for their loved ones with dementia has caused me to be a part of finding a solution.”

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

In California alone, there are more than 690,000 people living with the disease and 1.12 million family caregivers. A recent report released by the California Department of Public Health shows that the number of people aged 55+ with Alzheimer’s disease in Santa Barbara County is expected to nearly double from 2019 to 2040 – up to a staggering 16,758 people.

“I think we all have that passion to find a cure when we are hit hard with the disease,” said Cashman. “The Walk is a great opportunity to keep everyone engaged in this fight; it doesn’t end because of other things going on and we are here to make a difference.”

With the event quickly approaching, the committee is calling upon the community to get involved. To join the planning committee, become a sponsor, register as a walker, volunteer or donate to the Walk, visit act.alz.org/santabarbara.

“Imagine what we could accomplish if we had tremendous community involvement in our Walk,” said Zaninovich. “We could be part of the solution for a horrible disease that affects so many of our family and friends.”

“This walk means more than just another quick morning walk along the beach,” said Henderson. “It’s about raising awareness. It gives me the opportunity to honor my grandmother who I lost to this disease and my grandfather who has been diagnosed with dementia. I encourage everyone to come out and feel the support and love for all who are affected by dementia. I’m in the fight to end Alzheimer’s, one walk at a time!”

National Presenting Sponsors of the Walk include Edward Jones and CVS Health.

Locally, the Santa Barbara Walk is proud to be sponsored by Gold Sponsor: BMW Santa Barbara; Silver Sponsors: Cottage Health, The Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara, Union Bank, VNA Health, Westmont Mariposa at Ellwood Shores; and Bronze Sponsors: Casa Dorinda, Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, Covenant Living, First American Title, Hennessy International, SIMA, State Farm Paul Cashman, Swell Santa Barbara Athletic Club, Valle Verde, Vista del Monte.

Media sponsors include 805 Living, NewsChannel 3-12, La M 107.3, and KHAY 103.3.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s 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 — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.