The Alzheimer’s Association^® announced that the 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s® will take place at Canal Park at the CambridgeSide Galleria, 100 CambridgeSide Place in Cambridge, Massachusetts on Sunday, September 23, 2012 with presenting sponsor Cambridge Savings Bank and leadership from local volunteers.

Nicole Fox of Boston has been tapped by the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter as regional volunteer leader of the Greater Boston Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“The walk is growing every year and we believe this year will continue the trend with an expected 5,000 walkers,” said James Wessler, President/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter. “Local volunteers step up and work hard to make it a powerful experience for everyone who participates.”

Fox has had the painful experience of watching her grandmother battle Alzheimer's disease for many years. She has been volunteering with the Association since 2006 and will serve as the event’s regional leader for the first time this year. 

 “I am 29 and it is a very scary realization for me to think that one day my mom and aunt could be facing Alzheimer’s disease in the same way my grandmother currently is and I want put an end to the disease so that never happens,” said Fox.  “I also feel fortunate to have so many fond memories of growing up with my grandmother and I want to honor those memories.”

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.  As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. The disease has a significant impact on family members, with nearly 15 million providing care to a loved one, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on September 23, 2012.  The 2-mile “Hope Walk” and 6-mile “Spirit Walk” have a rolling start between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.  There will also be a remembrance ceremony at 9:40 a.m.

“The escalating numbers are alarming and so the need could not be greater to join the fight against Alzheimer’s by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Wessler.  “Funds raised will provide care and support services to our families, friends and neighbors affected by Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to the research that is critical to putting an end to the disease.”

Diane Patrick, First Lady of Massachusetts and U.S. Representative Edward Markey are serving as honorary chairs of the Walk which is being held at 11 locations throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Chapterwide Teams Sponsor is John Moriarty and Associates. Chapterwide Walker Sponsors include Atria Senior Living Group, Benchmark Senior Living, GoldenLiving Centers and Visiting Angels. In addition to Cambridge Savings Bank, other Greater Boston Walk sponsors include gold sponsor EnVivo Pharmaceuticals and silver sponsors Cadbury Commons, Carleton-Willard Village, McLean Hospital and Supercuts. Chapterwide media partners include WCVB, WBZ News Radio and MAGIC 106.7.

To learn more or to sign-up to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, call 800-272-3900 or visit www.alzwalkMANH.org.

About the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s:

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’sis the nation’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^. 

About the Alzheimer's Association:

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.