5 reasons Birmingham’s 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s was a smashing success

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Puppy at 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's
It was hot, but this puppy cooled off in the spray mist! Photo by Matthew Niblett for BhamNow.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, and this year was no different. Over a thousand supporters showed up to walk through downtown Birmingham. Learn more about this special event.

1) The 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s completely surpassed their fundraising goal

image 40 1 5 reasons Birmingham's 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's was a smashing success
Photo by Matthew Niblett for BhamNow.

The goal of the Walk is to raise money for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

  • Goal: $275,000
  • Money raised: $291,581 (and climbing!)

Top 5 individual fundraisers

Top 5 team fundraisers

2) Birmingham turned out big time

Walking at the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Sooo many people came out to the Walk! Photo by Matthew Niblett for BhamNow.

As you can see by the huge crowd, Birmingham really turned out to support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.

  • 1,151 participants from Birmingham and the surrounding area
  • 144 teams dedicated to raising money
Senator Doug Jones at the Walk to End Alzheimer's
Senator Doug Jones spoke at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Photo submitted.

Additionally, Alabama Senator Doug Jones took a moment to explain his reasons for supporting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Since his father suffers from the disease, Senator Jones is passionate about the effort to find the cure.

Senator Jones was an original co-sponsor of the Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act, which allows individuals with younger-onset Alzheimer’s who are under 60 years of age access to support services under the Older Americans Act. Additionally, he supported the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act, which educates clinicians on Alzheimer’s and dementia care planning services through Medicare.

3) The Promise Garden showed how important the Walk is

img 8524 5 reasons Birmingham's 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's was a smashing success
The Promise Garden at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Photo submitted.

During the event, registered walkers received a Promise Garden flower. The color of the flower corresponds to the connection each individual has with the disease:

  • Blue represents walkers who are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
  • Purple represents walkers who have lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s or dementia.
  • Yellow represents walkers who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
  • Orange represents walkers who want to see a world without Alzheimer’s or dementia.
  • White represents the first survivor of Alzheimer’s, which we do not have yet.
Promise Flowers at the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Purple flowers represent walkers who have lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s or dementia. Photo by Matthew Niblett for BhamNow.

Just before the walk started, the leaders asked the walkers to raise their Promise Flowers. Seeing the field of flowers held high represented how important the Walk to End Alzheimer’s truly is.

4) Four-legged walkers came out to support the mission

Dogs at the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Four-legged friends out to support the mission as well! Photo by Matthew Niblett for BhamNow.

Humans weren’t the only supporters out at the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s! Several of man’s best friends came out for a nice walk through Birmingham.

image 14 5 reasons Birmingham's 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's was a smashing success
Staying cool in the sun! Photo by Matthew Niblett for BhamNow.

Although it was a warm day, the spray mists were a cool treat for many of the dogs. Just look at how happy he is!

5) There is still time to make your donation!

2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's
The committee and volunteers that made the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s possible. Photo submitted.

All funds raised through the Walk go to further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

As the Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, all donations are tax-deductible!

You can donate online on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s website.

Did you join us on the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s? Share your pics and experience by tagging @BhamNow !

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Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer

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