Anyone can attend the 5K Walk, which begins and ends at the Zoo. Organizers ask walkers to raise or donate a minimum $100, which will earn the walkers a T-shirt, lunch, entertainment and admission to the Zoo for the day.

“There has never been a greater need for the citizens of Santa Barbara to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Rhonda Spiegel, the executive director of the California Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Funds raised will help us continue to provide free care and support services to the Santa Barbara-area residents living with Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to advancing critically needed research.”

Today, approximately 9,000 Santa Barbara County residents — and their families — suffer with Alzheimer’s. Without a breakthrough in research, that number is expected to jump to more than 13,000 residents by 2030. Until a treatment or cure is found, the Alzheimer’s Association offers free support services to families, including care consultations, support groups and education for families and professionals.

Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimer’s is not a part of normal aging. Alzheimer’s is a public health issue, not an old age issue. And it’s not just memory loss; it’s a thief of life, the most cruel, ultimate thief of life. Other diseases steal your body. Alzheimer’s does that too, but it also steals your soul, the essence of who you are.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an experience for people living in and around Santa Barbara to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities, the latest in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trial enrollment to support programs and services.

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. In addition to the Walk, participants will enjoy entertainment, friendship and lunch.

Start or join a team today at alz.org/walk. If you have questions about the Walk, please contact Genny Bolton at 805.892.4259 or genny.bolton@alz.org.

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