Walkers raise $25,000+ to fight Alzheimer’s Disease

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A record number of walkers participated in the annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event in New Richmond Saturday.

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A large crowd of walkers dressed in purple hit the streets of New Richmond on Saturday to participate in the community’s 13th annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event.

According to Jackie Waalen, walk coordinator for the past 13 years, this year’s walk included a record 250 participants and raised a record amount of money.

“It has been a blessing seeing it grow from $500 to $26,000 raised,” she said.

The father-daughter team of Chuck Bjorklund and Vikki Jameson were the honorary co-chairs of the local “Walk to End Alzheimer’s.” The family lost Blanche Bjorklund to the disease earlier this year.

The Deerfield received the award for the most walkers at the event, and Comfort of Homes received the award for the most money raised. 

Scot Destasio, manager with Family Fresh in New Richmond, accepted the “Spirit Award” on behalf of the grocery store chain.

“The walk’s committee picks a family, volunteer or business who demonstrates a strong spirit for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” Waalen said. “The walk’s committee all felt that Family Fresh of New Richmond and Hudson deserved this award for their great efforts at fundraising and marketing our walk.”

This year’s walk began at the new entrance of the Deerfield Gables and town center. The Deerfield now has two secured memory care sections in their senior living, Waalen said, one in assisted living and one in the new Gables.

“We are very pleased to provide more specialized housing for individuals with dementia,” she noted.

Alzheimer’s disease is the largest underfunded public health threat facing our nation today and it’s only growing. Today, more than half of all Americans know someone with Alzheimer’s. Soon, no one will be left untouched.

Tags: new richmond, communities, health