LEWISTON — The Alzheimer’s Association plans to host the Lakes & Mountains Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Simard-Payne Park, 46 Beech St.

The walk will begin following the Promise Garden Ceremony at 10 a.m.

It is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease, according to a news release from Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter.

“We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s,” said Drew Wyman, executive director of theMaine Chapter. “We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, and take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”

The walk takes place at seven locations across Maine during September and October. In 2022, more than 200 residents from the Lewiston/Auburn area joined the walk while raising nearly $39,000. This year the walk aims to raise $50,000.

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 Maine alone, there are more than 29,000 people living with the disease and 51,000 caregivers.

Participants can choose to start a team, join a team, or walk as an individual during the annual fundraiser.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org.

For more information, contact contact Jessica Gale, event coordinator, at 207-772-0115 or jlgale@alz.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!