Walk to End Alzheimer’s raises more than $108,000 in Sarasota and Manatee counties

Hundreds of Sarasota and Manatee County residents helped lead the way to the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease by participating in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Nov. 21. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, participants walked as individuals and small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails around Sarasota and Manatee County, raising more than $108,000 to benefit the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“The spirit of Sarasota and Manatee counties came alive this past weekend in support of the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Taylor Morell, director of the Sarasota and Manatee Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “We are so grateful for the endless support and unparalleled passion of our participants, sponsors and volunteers, and for those who would still like to get involved, fundraising opportunities will continue through Dec. 31!”

Although the format of the event was different from years past, traditional components of Walk to End Alzheimer’s were upheld, including an opening ceremony broadcast and a drive-through Promise Garden planted at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota to honor the personal reasons participants walk.

For participant Linda Nippert, that reason is her father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013.

“My dad is now in the latter part of the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s,” Nippert said. “We cannot leave him alone. He requires help with daily activities and has trouble communicating.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is projected to increase to nearly 14 million by the year 2050. In Florida alone, there are more than 580,000 people currently battling the disease and an additional 1.1 million family caregivers.

As one of those caregivers, Nippert sees Walk to End Alzheimer’s as an opportunity to fight back against the relentless disease that is stealing her father’s memories.

“I am raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association because I don’t want to feel hopeless anymore,” Nippert said. “My father, Fred, is fading away in front of my eyes. Instead of feeling hopeless and heartbroken, I want to make a difference in honor of my hero.”

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. Fundraising for this year’s event will continue through Dec. 31. To donate and join the fight for a cure, visit alz.org/walk.

Submitted by Anneliese Cassalia