The Walk to End Alzheimer’s returns to The Battery

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - More than 2,000 people walked The Battery Saturday morning to call attention to a disease that devastates millions of families.

Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and cognitive function, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The annual Walk To End Alzheimer’s is a chance for connection and to raise money for research to find better treatment options and ultimately a cure, the organization said on its website. Atlanta News First is a proud media sponsor.

Participants donned colored flowers, each representing their connection to the disease — a caregiver, an ally, someone who lost a loved one or somebody with hope for a cure.

“Watching your loved one just deteriorate, they forget how to swallow, they forget everything,” said Keondra Williams. Her father is battling early-onset Alzheimer’s. “It’s really important to find a cure for this disease and so it was really important for us to come out here and fight for that.”

For Rick and Jackie Cavallo, the walk brings hope for others. Jackie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020. Her husband, Rick, quickly became her caregiver.

“It makes you feel good that so many people are supporting this program,” he said.

Alzheimer’s can begin 20 years or more before memory loss and other symptoms develop, according to the organization. Some early signs include challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks, vision changes or losing the ability to retrace steps.

“Finding a cure and making everybody’s life have a bit better quality — that’s kind of the driving force behind what’s going on here,” said Rob Stearns, who volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association.

So far, the walk has raised more than $487,000 of its $700,000 goal. You can donate here.

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