The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s for Manhattan, Kan., will be at Manhattan City Park on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. This inspiriting event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

There is no fee to register for the Walk. However, all participants are encouraged to raise funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment, and ultimately, a cure.

To participate, visit www.act.alz.org and click “Find a Walk Near You.” Meadowlark has a team already started, and all residents, family members, Passport members, staff, and volunteers are invited to join the team. Once registered, you can start fundraising and spread the word, then on Sept. 30, you’re invited to join the Walk Day event.

Registration on Walk Day will begin at 9 a.m. The Opening and Promise Garden Ceremony will start at 10 a.m. and the Walk will begin around 10:15 a.m. The Walk route is one mile long.

The Promise Garden is a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden Flowers represents the participants’ connection to Alzheimer’s or other dementias—their reasons to end the disease. Each person attending the walk will be able to select the flowers that represent his or her involvement.

• Blue: Someone living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
• Purple: An individual who has lost someone to the disease.
• Yellow: A person who is currently supporting or caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
• Orange: A participant who supports the cause and the Association's vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Recently, Meadowlark Memory Program, Manhattan Senior Center, The Alzheimer’s Association - Heart of America Chapter teamed up to offer two local in-person groups off of Meadowlark’s campus. Connecting with others who have the same kinds of struggles as you do is an important part of coping with dementia. Groups are facilitated by trained professionals or former family caregivers, whose primary purpose is to provide knowledge about dementia while allowing members to receive support and encouragement from others in a similar situation. Coffee Talks — a monthly group that meets July 10 and every second Monday following, at 10:30 a.m. at the Manhattan Senior  Center for caregivers of those with all forms of dementia. Participants have an opportunity to ask questions, connect with others, and build a peer support network over coffee provided by the Center. At the same time, in conjunction with Coffee Talks, Meadowlark Memory Program provides a social engagement opportunity for the loved one of the caregiver who is attending the support group, allowing them to concentrate on their group. This social engagement is called Mindful Memories. 

If you have questions about the Manhattan Walk to End Alzheimer’s, please contact Sarah Duggan at (785) 323-3878.